A few days ago I was scrolling through social media searching for a controversial topic or trending issue to write this issue’s opinion piece.

However, the article that caught my eye seemed much more relatable to me than Donald Trump, police brutality or some celebrity, especially at this moment in my life, so I decided to check it out.

After reading the article on the npr.org website, “Are You As Freaked Out About Life After College As I Am?,” I had many thoughts running through my mind.

The article notes some of the basic fears most graduates have, such as “Has college been a waste?” and “What am I going to do with my life?”

This was a relief to read. There is even a book about life after college, There Is Life After College: What Parents and Students Should Know About Navigating School to Prepare for the Jobs of Tomorrow, by Jeffrey J. Selingo, according to the article. 

I have found myself feeling freaked out about finishing school, which is strange because I never thought I would actually be wary about earning my degree. I did not think I would be scared to get an 8 to 5 job that I have to be at every single day at the same time, or be upset that I will no longer be a student anymore.

Which is so typical because that is the societal norm about college students. People say it all the time: “Oh, they are just scared because they will have to get a job,” or that “Now they have to pay bills,” or “Time to grow up.” 

Nevertheless, before you start shaking you head, I am not a stereotypical college student. I have worked very hard to put myself through school. I have been financially responsible for myself since I graduated high school. I have not lived on campus; I have not been a part of any clubs or really lived the college lifestyle. I have balanced work and school.

Yet, this is reality for some college students taking the “traditional” route straight from high school to college and living out the best four years of their lives.

The npr.org article gave tips for building resilience, job interviewing, interning, and the importance of gaining an outside college experience.

These skills have apparently been lost because students do not work while they’re in college any more. Apparently, we’re at the lowest level of teenagers being employed while they’re in school since the 1940s, according to npr article.

Although they are all good tips, I found them to be a little stereotypical because today’s traditional college student is a working adult in their mid to late 20s.

On the other hand, this does represent a good portion of the college population as well.

My point is, I think no matter your situation, what generation you come from, or your financial status, graduating college is scary. It is a new start, a new beginning, and a time to see if what you have worked so hard for will actually pay off.  

Not to mention you have had the title of “student” for a long time. Think about it!