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鈥淲HAT ARE YOU DOING AFTER GRADUATION?鈥�

As a college senior, this is a question you are probably being asked on a regular basis. And if you are like many college seniors, you may be struggling to answer the question with confidence. College seniors often feel pressure to be enthusiastic about the future, or to have a set plan that will hopefully satisfy others. A common societal expectation at the time of college graduation is that one is looking optimistically ahead to the future. The often-unrecognized reality is that although graduating college can be a very exciting time in life, it can also bring feelings of fear, sadness, confusion, and doubt. This is because graduation is an important life change, and life transitions, even if positive and growth-producing, are also stressful.

The way a student experiences the approach to graduation is unique and individual and depends on one鈥檚 personality, personal circumstances, coping style, and experiences in college over the previous four (or more) years. There are some students who say they can鈥檛 wait to graduate, and others who have no desire to leave college. Many seniors feel mixed emotions at varying times. It鈥檚 possible, for example, to feel proud of one鈥檚 accomplishments, and to look forward to a sense of freedom from studying, money worries, friendship problems, etc. At the same time, there may be a real sense of loss about the college years coming to an end and worry about the next stage of life.

Much of the stress of senior year can be attributed to uncertainty about the future and the loss of a sense of predictability. Questions naturally arise about what will come next in many different areas of life; whether to look for a job or go to graduate school, whether to pursue a career in one鈥檚 major, where to live, whether to return home or not, continue a romantic relationship, etc. Not having the answers to these questions can be difficult, and the differing opinions of friends, family, and acquaintances may be confusing. It can be challenging to know and trust one鈥檚 own decisions for the future.

Another common fear for many seniors is the approach of what seems like a dividing line between youth and the responsibilities of adulthood. Many seniors worry about being expected to be a full adult and fear 鈥渂eing out in the real world鈥�. Some students feel a sense of pressure to 鈥渉ave fun鈥� and to try to enjoy senior year as much as possible. Balancing one鈥檚 social life, academics, and activities on campus while staying motivated, may become more difficult during the last year of college.

HOW TO MANAGE THE SENIOR TRANSITION

Feeling emotionally sensitive or vulnerable, confused, sad, moody, or unmotivated can be related to the anticipation of a major life change. Often, just realizing that one is in a transition period and that it is a naturally stressful time can help put things in perspective. It may be helpful to think about how you have coped with other life transitions and how you adjusted with time (e.g., leaving high school to go to college, coping with a move to a new home, etc.). It is not possible to have all the answers to the future now. Most college graduates build confidence gradually as new life patterns become established.

It is helpful to allow yourself to mourn the losses that you may be experiencing as you say goodbye to an important time in your life. Let yourself reflect on the positive times, as well as acknowledge any disappointments that have occurred during college. As the end of senior year approaches, take the time to say farewell to others even if it feels sad or difficult. Senior events and celebrations are a way of bringing closure to the college years. Though often bittersweet, these ending rituals are important in helping to bring a sense of resolution. As graduation approaches, consider what has been important in your college experience and what is worth carrying forward into the future.