Annnnnd that's a wrap: I graduated!

Four years ago I clutched my Leaving Certificate results in my hand, hoping and praying all my hard work had paid off.

I desperately wanted to study Journalism and New Media in Limerick but, with the points set to increase, I had an agonising wait to see if I had got it or not. A few days later I happily clicked ‘accept’ on my CAO form. I was officially Limerick bound!

Officially a qualified journalist.

Four years later and it’s hard to believe my college experience is over. As cliché and all as it sounds, time really does fly and last week I graduated!

I spent a lot of time in fourth year wishing the year would hurry up and end. I couldn’t wait to be finished my final year project, assignments, exams and all the stress that goes hand in hand with it. I was more than ready for the stress of college life to be over. I was ready to go out into the real world and be an adult.

But the night before my graduation, with the big day literally only a few hours away, I had a scary thought. I suddenly realised there was just one small problem with my single-mindedness. Once I donned my cap and gown that was it; the safety net of education, which I have known for the last 18 years, would suddenly be gone.

And with the economy still looking more like a rollercoaster and less like smooth sailing it’s no wonder I’m slightly anxious. I have nothing concrete lined up. I’m all dressed up with no place to go. No place to interview.

Every so often I find myself thinking these negative thoughts, which are made all the worse by people constantly asking me what exactly I’m doing with my life and when am I going to get a real job and stop working part-time pulling 99’s. The truth is I don’t know. I’m really not sure. I’m still figuring this whole life thing out.

When the not-so-positive thoughts don’t creep in I’m confident. Confident I’ll get a job in my chosen field and confident that things will work themselves out. I’m pretty sure something will come up. In some shape or form. I’m just not sure how long it will take…

Waving goodbye after four great years.

The President of UL, Professor Don Barry, reminded me of all this during his speech at the graduation. He reminded us how proud we should be for getting this far and achieving a third level qualification and, more importantly perhaps for those of us with nothing solid lined up, reminded us that things always have a way of working themselves out. He said we must “never, ever let anyone tarnish our spark”. Wise words from a wise man.

So, with that in mind, I’m not so much nervous about the future as I am curious.

College life was (so far!) the best four years of my life, but I’m ready for the next chapter now.

All I can say is bring it on!

Leaving college for the real world

They say time flies when you’re having fun.

As my final semester as a third level student fast approaches I find myself increasingly worried about things I never even had to consider before; preparing CV’s, applying for jobs, my FYP and the gut-wrenching thought of my college life soon becoming nothing but a distant memory.

The dreaded question seemingly on the tip of everyone’s tongue ‘So, what exactly are you going to be doing after college?” instils the fear of God in me and the perplexed look on people’s faces when I tell them I’m not entirely sure is enough to almost send me over the edge.

 My ever-changing emotions about leaving the comfort zone of uni life and going out into the big bad world is giving me whiplash. One minute I’m excited about what the future holds and the opportunities and prospects it undoubtedly has in store for me, both personally and professionally. The next minute I’m genuinely wondering how I will function as a fully “growed up” human being in the real world with a real job. It’s all oh so confusing. I’m sad that I’m finishing. I’m happy that I’m finishing. How can one be so happy and yet so sad at the same time? That bittersweet emotion tastes so strange.

Here are the five things I’m feeling as the final semester edges closer:

1.   A burning desire to never have to complete a college assignment again

This all too common thought is repeated again and again throughout final year. Now that I’m half way there and one semester away from completing essays, final year projects, presentations and all nighters I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

2. The motivation to apply for every single job going

 

The sheer panic and fear that you might not get a job after four years of hard work is enough to make you apply for every single job you come across. Sure a degree in journalism might not be equivalent to a degree in engineering but what’s the harm in applying…

3.   The temptation to punch anyone who asks you about your future 

Jobs, masters, post-grad programmes…if one more person asks me what I’m planning on doing once I leave college I may not be held responsible for my actions.

4.     The idea of hiding under my duvet and never surfacing again seems more appealing every day

The thought of getting a real life proper job is overwhelming at the best of times and some days staying in bed in my own little bubble and never ever ever ever leaving it seems like a good plan.

5.    Shock that this is my life

Sometimes it's all a bit much to take in; I’m about to graduate, with an actual degree. Life is about to start happening. I’m just going to let that sink in.  

Facing the fear of final year

They say college years are the best years of your life and, after breezing through the first two or three years in a haze of parties, adventures and good times, the intensity of fourth year kind of knocked me for six. Now, over five weeks into my final year I’ve started to notice a couple of things.

1. Socialising has become a rare occurrence

Catching up with your friends and classmates now only happens on the walk in to college or on the walk home from college. Sneaky pints after class or heading out every Tuesday and Thursday night is, for the time being, a thing of the past.

2. Caffeine is my best friend

 The answer to all of life’s problems and stressful issues is, of course, to have a cup of tea. Or coffee. Or cigarettes. Just whatever gets you through the day as a functioning, intelligent college student.

 

3. Sleep has become a distant memory

A 24-hour-day just isn’t enough when you’re expected to attend lectures, labs and tutorials while also being bogged down with assignments, exams, presentations and final year projects.

4. There’s no room for procrastination

Although we’ve been good friends for the last few years and maintained a strong bond, I realised soon into fourth year that procrastination and I would have to part ways. I was quick to realise that watching re-runs of Friends episodes I’ve seen a hundred times or cleaning the house from top to bottom won’t write my 2,500 word essay for me.

5. Being healthy requires a lot of effort

Finding the time to make healthy snacks and nutritious meals as well as exercising every evening takes up precious time us final year students don’t really have. While staying fit and healthy is key to reducing stress and illness, finding the time to do that is not so easy. It’s all a vicious cycle.

6. The future is looming

As I edge ever so closer to finishing my degree the possibility of being thrown out into the big bad world scares the life out of me (and probably every other final year student). Thinking properly about what you’re going to do after college, applying for jobs and going for interviews are now all part and parcel of an already stressful year. That dreaded question being asked all too often; “So, what are you going to do after college?” instils the fear of God into me and probably will, until I figure out what the hell I’m doing with my life.

Although final year imposes many challenges and difficulties and, despite all the stress and pressure that the year inevitably brings, the important thing to remember is that it’s only temporary. Or so I keep telling myself. Yes it will be a demanding and tough year. Yes there will be tears and tantrums and thoughts of throwing the towel in but we will get through it, we will pass our exams with flying colours and next summer we will graduate (hopefully!)