Education > Schooling

I did it! After four (and a half) years, I finally graduated from college.

I’m happier than this guy in the stock photo above. Why? Not only did I graduate, but I now have the time to apply for a full-time job instead of working multiple jobs while going to school full-time.

College itself wasn’t too bad, but after this past semester of working four jobs, an internship and going to school full-time, I think I’ve seen enough of the academic landscape for now.

“I finally graduated” makes it sound like an eternity — which it may have seemed like — but it isn’t in actuality. If anything, I hope to look back on these past four and a half years and say they flew by.

While I’ll miss the memories I’ve made in college (including working for my school newspaper, which I believe was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made), it’s time to move on.

I hate when people say “it’s time to start my new life” or “time to enter the real world.” If you’re one of those people, perhaps this next paragraph will make you change your ways:

I believe that life is a continuous cycle, and starting a “new life” while you’re still alive is impossible (obviously). While you may think you can leave everything behind and start anew, your memories remain. And the real world? Really? I understand college is supposed to prepare you for a professional environment, but to say “time for the real world” is depriving the value of past experiences.

So, now, I’ll move forward and maybe even turn the page to a new chapter in my life. But I’m not starting over. You don’t get re-dos in this life.

I, for one, deeply value my time I spent in college. But maybe not in the way that often comes to mind. While the parties were… entertaining, and my classes were great (for the most part), I found that firsthand journalistic experience (school newspaper, internship) are far more valuable than anything I could ever learn in a classroom.

The great Mark Twain once said, “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.”

Unfortunately, I do believe I’ve let my schooling interfere with my education. I’ve sacrificed quite a bit to get my degree. And while there are times I wish I would’ve left my schooling behind, I’m glad I stuck with it.

I am hopeful that my expensive piece of paper will open more doors for me to expand my education. I am done with school and hope it will stay that way. I don’t know what the future holds, however, I do know that I now want to devote my time fully to my education.

Who knows? Perhaps I’ll look more happy than the stock photo guy a few months from now if and when I walk across the stage. (My school does not offer graduation ceremonies for those who have finished in the fall semester.) Maybe I’ll even post a graduation photo.

But for now, it’s the stock photo guy and my vow to commit to my education full-time — whatever that means.