“How did it get so late so soon?
It's night before its afternoon.
December is here before its June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?”
~Dr. Seuss
For Seniors Only…
Being a Senior in college is both an
exciting and a frightening time. As students in transition, seniors have
unique needs. The final months as an undergraduate can be stressful as you
finish required coursework, apply for graduation, and prepare for an unknown
future. You may leave most, if not all, of your friends behind to go to
graduate school, work, or stay at home.
This transition from student to post college life can be
difficult because of the expectations and pressures that come with
professional school or work. Up to this point, you likely have been in
school for eighteen straight years so it’s not surprising that there is some
stress involved in the change.
Consider these three phases of change:
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An ending, followed by
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A period of confusion and distress, leading to
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A new beginning
If you think about it, every transition begins with an ending. We have to
let go of the old thing before we can pick up the new. While you may be
excited about graduating from Penn State University, don’t be surprised if saying
goodbye is difficult.
A Transition Checklist:
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Take your time. While things around you are changing you need to adapt mentally and this can’t be rushed.
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Arrange temporary structures. It’s important to work out ways of continuing on while the inner work is being done. For example, finding a temporary job until a more permanent one comes along.
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Don’t act for the sake of action. Try not to make snap decisions during this time. Staying in transition may be uncomfortable, but it’s less difficult than aborting the process.
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Recognize why you’re uncomfortable. Distress is a sign that something is changing. The transition process includes times of anxiety and may awaken old fears.
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Take care of yourself in little ways. Be sensitive to your smallest needs. Don’t force changes on yourself and find the little continuities that are important when everything else seems to be changing.
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Find out what is waiting in the wings of life. Remember that there is unlimited potential living within you. Interests and talents you have not yet explored wait to be tapped. Transitions clear the ground for new growth.
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Don’t be afraid to talk with someone. Although exciting, this may be a stressful time. Utilize your supports such as friends, family, or a counselor
"To exist is to
change, to change is to mature,
to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly."
Henri Bergson
Web site contact: lak8@psu.edu
Updated August 19, 2008
© 2005 The Pennsylvania State University