Stop. Breathe. Repeat.
If this is your last semester as an undergraduate student, you probably find it hard to do that on a daily basis.
If you’re like me (part-time employee, president of your sorority, writer for the Lariat, taking 16 credits with a social life), you definitely find it hard to stop and breathe. Well, you’re not alone, and I want to take the time to give you a few tips on how to make it.
1. One day at a time: Stop worrying about May and worry about today. It’s probably pretty obvious what you need to do before graduation. Get a job. Oh, and probably a trillion other things in between. Just take it one day at a time. If you’re too busy freaking yourself out about what will happen three months from now, how are you going to get through what today brings? What you accomplish today will probably help you three months from now if you stop overthinking, hyperventilating and just breathe.
2. Tell people to shut up: Maybe not so directly, or maybe that’s what’s best for you. All seniors go through the same string of questions. What are your plans? Do you have a job yet? What if that doesn’t work out? SHUT UP. Exactly. Tell your friends and family the best thing is for them to just support you and guide you, not make you panic with interrogation. Otherwise, answer with confidence and honesty and keep it moving.
3. Know your role: It is time for you to move on. Start now. If you’re like me and want to leave behind some sort of legacy with your organization, club or group, it’s probably too late to start. Trust that whatever you have done up to this point has made an impact, and give your responsibilities and hopes to someone else. They know you’re leaving, make it real.
These tips should intertwine with motives of staying organized, finding your “me-time” and just doing the best you can and letting God handle the rest. First things first; write out your goals for the week, not for the next three months, just this week. Next, talk to someone influential (mom, mentor, etc.), and talk them about what you’re worried about, what should be your first steps to your career plan. Another thing, find time to have fun, to meditate, workout or however you relieve your stress.
Lastly, look forward and remain optimistic. You’ve come this far. Chances are, you have even farther to go, and that’s a beautiful blessing.
Brauna Marks is a senior communication specialists major from Blakeslee, Pa. She is a reporter for the Lariat.
