The One Where I Graduate College

Photo courtesy of creativemaniac.net.

Well, it’s that time. 2 years and 1 pandemic later, my college adventure has come to an end. I’m writing this about 4 weeks after I graduated. Attending classes, writing essays, and doing homework is no more. Transferring to a big university from a small community college was quite the culture shock. The amount of growth that I’ve endured in the past 2 years is absolutely wild to me. It’s time to take a trip down memory lane and reflect on my college experience.

The One Where I Transfer to a University

My university experience began in the summer of 2019. It was a little scary at first because it was something new but I adjusted to everything pretty well. Summer 2019 was a semester done entirely completed online. Fall 2019 was when I started going to classes on campus. Let me just tell you that walking around a college campus makes you feel so independent. I felt like I could take on the world.

The One with the Pandemic

Spring 2020 is when everything changed and I mean everything. COVID-19 came in full swing. By March of 2020, my classes transferred to the online environment. It was quite a sudden change. Summer and Fall 2020 were semesters completed online. I completed my bachelor’s degree fully online.

With changes came surprises though. I got asked to write an article for my university’s online magazine. I profiled one of my childhood friends. We talked about graduating without an in-person ceremony and his career. It was definitely one of the biggest highlights of my college experience.

Spring 2021 brought me my first internship with the online magazine I wrote for in the summer of 2020. It was actually quite enjoyable because it helped me grow my skills as an editor.

The One with the Ever-changing Career

Before I started university, I went in thinking I was going to be a graphic design major but that changed. I thought about radio and television so my mom and I met with an advisor. She guided me to the Writing and Rhetoric program. I’m so happy that she did.

Let me just tell you that not knowing what you want to do with your life is totally normal. You may change your major 3 or 4 times. You may say you want to do one thing but then you change your mind and want to do something else.

I have an idea of what I want to do with my life. I’m starting my own creative business and plan to do freelance writing as well. Again, this may change over time. I don’t know.

The One Where I Graduate College

Fall 2021 has arrived. I was originally supposed to graduate in the spring but because of the pandemic, my graduation got pushed back a semester which I was fine with. I wasn’t in a rush.

On December 17, 2021, my mom drove me, my dad, my Uncle, and my Aunt an hour to my university. It’s graduation day! When we got there, it was insane, as one can expect. Graduates had to go around to the other side of the arena while guests went through the main entrance. We all had to wait around 30 minutes or so until we entered the arena for the procession. This is when the faculty, staff, and graduates all enter the arena.

I ended up getting an end seat which worked out great. It’s funny because I ended up sitting in front of one of my childhood friends from summer camp.

The ceremony lasted 2 hours. It was a little emotional for me hearing all the speeches, walking across the stage, and switching my tassel.

The One Where I Reflect

My college journey has come to an end but my true adventure is just beginning. I was in school for the last 20 or so years of my life. I have to say that college was the best educational experience for me.

If you’re just entering college, you’ll do great. Check out my other article that covers the entire college experience here.

If you’re graduating college this year, life is about to get so amazing and interesting.

Thank you for reading this special piece!