Graduation season is fast approaching, and reality has struck that I’ll soon be entering this new phase of life. I’ve learned a lot about myself across the three years of my degree. I’ve created beautiful memories and had my fair share of terrible flatmates and drunken nights. Although I can’t help but fear what’s to come, after all of this is done.
I feel as though time has gone so fast. I remember my first day of year seven like it was yesterday. My mother had bought me my first pair of kickers. They were the shiny ones, that was the ‘in thing’. My hair was braided super tight, my face drenched in cocoa butter, and I was drowning in my clothes as they were three sizes bigger than me.
It feels surreal that I’m no longer that 11-year-old girl, and soon I will be an adult working a full-time job! Of course, I’ve worked part-time jobs, but this has never taken precedence over my learning. Since I can remember, education has been at the forefront of my life, and being in school has always reminded me I’m still ‘young’.
Feeling safe
There is a form of safety in being a student that no one talks about. There’s routine and structure. Up until now, it’s been secondary school, sixth form and then university. It’s so strange to me that, after I finish my journalism degree, my life as a student ends, and soon I’ll have to be rationing my days off. RIP to the three-month summers!
For this next chapter of my life, for the very first time, I can’t tell what’s really next. Living in student halls is supposed to be an introduction to adult life. However, a conversation with my friend made me realise we haven’t been taught how to navigate life after university. Yes, we have lived on our own, learned to cook, clean etc., but the idea of integrating into the world of work is daunting.
From this point onwards, it’s very evident that it’s just me alone. I think it’s ultimately the fear of growing up.
That said, I have found comfort in knowing I’m not the only one going through this. I’m slowly learning to turn my fear into excitement, as I do believe there is beauty in the unknown. These are my first footsteps into the working world, and I know there are a range of opportunities at my disposal – as they say, the world is your oyster. This is the start of a career! There’s no doubt I’ll miss student life, but my memories will last forever.