The future sucks. It really sucks. You know why? Because I am a senior.
First-years are worried about their majors. They are stressed because they cannot decide if they want to be a pre-med or a communication major. Whatever. Stop freaking out.
Sophomores are pumped about studying abroad. They are ready for an adventure. They are content where they are right now, but soon the itch to get out of here will kick in. Now, I envy you.
Juniors are freaking out a bit. Going on crazy adventures, having more responsibilities, looking for internships, applying for your major, thinking about jobs and figuring out who you are once you have come back from studying abroad. Yeah, that is a lot to handle at once.
Seniors have it the worst. Everything points to the future – just to name a few: graduating, applying for jobs, not knowing where we will end up, saying goodbye to CSB/SJU and each other.
This is the first time in our lives that the future is uncertain. Since we started school in kindergarten, we measured our lives by two semesters followed by three months of summer. Once the school year ended in the spring, we knew we would be back at school in the fall. Not this time. We do not know what to expect, and it scares the crap out of us.
This might sound weird, but I am more worried about my friends’ futures than my own future. Next fall, I know I will be student teaching at a school in the Cities. When I am living with my parents, who will I hang out with, and what will I do on the weekends? I am going to be lonely. As selfish as it is, I want all my friends to stay close to me. Would you not want that too? This is true for my roommates. I cannot imagine not living with them. You would say that we have become close over the past four years.
People tell me change is good, and that the future allows me to start a new part of my life. Yes, I agree, but I hate change and I am scared. I feel like a five-year-old holding on to my mom’s leg because I do not want to go to kindergarten. I am unsure of the classroom. The other kids and the toys look intriguing, but because they are unfamiliar I am scared.
Eventually, my mom leaves and I am alone. That is what I am afraid of: being left alone with no one I know around me. CSB/SJU has been my home for the past four years. Not only the physical place of CSB/SJU, but the people that I have shared this place with.
After a while, I forget about missing my Mom and start playing with the other children. It will seem as if I was never upset about leaving my mom. This is what I want to happen. I want to be comfortable with where I am in the future.
First-years, sophomores and juniors, give a seniors a hug. Let them know that they will be missed. Tell them that they are going to find a job. Tell them they have made a difference at this school and they will make a difference in whatever they do in the future.
Tell us the future will not suck.
Tell us the future will be awesome.