Reflections Before Entering My Final Year of University

One more year. That’s all I have left before my university chapter closes, and honestly, I’m not sure I’m ready.

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I’m about to enter my final year of university, and I’m feeling all the feels right now: scared, anxious, and, honestly, a little sad that this journey is coming to an end. I can’t believe how fast my degree has gone by. It feels like just yesterday I was starting my first year, confused about how to register for courses. Thinking back on that now is making me a little emotional.

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone starting their first year, it would be this: soak in every moment and make the best of it. For a long time, I felt like I was just trying to get through each day, and now here I am, almost done. It feels like it all passed by in two seconds.

Make new friends. Join clubs. Try things you’ve never done before. Stay on campus. Explore every corner. Step out of your comfort zone. Because even though you’ve been a student your whole life, this phase won’t last forever. Soon, you’ll be a full-on adult, and that thought honestly scares me. I feel like, once I graduate, people will see me as an adult, but deep down, I’ll still feel young.

For those younger than me: take advantage of this time. This might be the last stage of life where everyone sees you as “young.” I know we’re still young after graduation, but it feels like there’s more pressure to have your life together once you’re done school. There’s no real timeline for success; you shouldn’t put that pressure on yourself, but I’d be lying if I said I don’t feel it. I thought I’d have more of my life figured out by now, but in some ways, I feel exactly like I did in first year (even though I know I’ve grown so much).

If you’re feeling like me, uncertain about the future, just remember: soon, you’ll be earning your own money (which means buying whatever you want… maybe the part I’m most excited about!).

When I first started university, I didn’t want to be in school for a long time. That’s partly why I chose a four-year program. But now, I almost wish it were longer. I’ve realized I actually enjoy learning, and that university can be a safe space, where you don’t have to have everything figured out. That said, I wouldn’t recommend staying in school just because you’re unsure about your future. Maybe a gap year could help with that instead.

So, as I start my fourth and final year, it’s a little hard to digest that soon I won’t be in school anymore. But just because I’ll be done with my degree doesn’t mean I’m done learning. I want to keep growing, whether that’s through other classes, self-study, or maybe even a master’s degree. I love exercising my brain, and, honestly, I love feeling smart. (Where am I supposed to get academic validation from now? -.-)