Give Yourself Grace

Thanksgiving is around the corner and the final chapters of the semester are closing up and for the seniors, we’re terrified. This will be the last time we’re in school during this time of year. Next year, we will be miles away from friends, from the place we’ve grown to love and hopefully, employed. Here at The Edge, these thoughts have been buzzing around our heads as we finish assignments and complete events, or as we think of them, “lasts.” We know we’re not the only ones feeling this way, so let’s dive in and think this through together and come up with something that can help us move forward.

I know that I usually get stuck on an idea or concept, and no matter how hard I try to shake it off, it always sticks. Right now, the idea of “lasts” is super stuck, and no matter how hard I try to reframe it, it stays that way. And as much as I want to change it, I kinda don’t think I need to, and I don’t think you need to either.

Right now, it is full of “lasts” for us, but that is a really beautiful thing. We have been able to go and experience so many unforgettable moments, multiple times, with people we love, so “lasts” are that much more fulfilling and bittersweet. It’s rewarding that all this time and energy has been spent for so long and can now be put towards something new.

Yeah, but what about the “lasts” that really sucks to say bye to? Well, those will continue to suck. The last party, the last bye to your friends, the last night where you’re on campus, but those moments of sadness make your memories that much sweeter. Knowing how hard it was to let go and say goodbye will be remembered, and you’ll look back on it fondly because there was so much love in that moment; how could you not?

As much time as I have spent trying to convince myself that everything is going to be okay, I also spend on preparing for it not to be okay. Like, what if I don’t get a job post-grad, or I don’t get my grades up a smidge to get some sort of recognition, or what if I have to live at home…

These are all valid ways to think, so do not try to shut them out. They are natural and I promise you are not the only one thinking this. Lean on your friends and parents because being reminded you aren’t alone will make those thoughts less scary. I also like to call my alumni friends and get their viewpoints, and knowing that it worked out for them gives me hope that it will work out for me.

As the holidays approach, the questions will come tumbling in about “What do you want to do?” and “What are your plans?” If you don’t know, there is no shame in saying that. You’re not supposed to always have it figured out; do not feel the pressure that you have to. 

Your 20s are the time to figure it out. You will not have answers or a plan anytime soon. And if you do, it will get rerouted at some point. This is a time for movement, change and figuring out who you are; in doing so, there will be many ups and downs. Some days, life will feel clear, and others, you will have no idea what you are doing, and you’re not supposed to know! Try new things, meet new people and approach everything in the best way possible because you could never know what happens.

So, to all our anxious seniors out there, we feel you and are in this together. Feel the waves of insecurity and the unknown, but do not let it weigh you down. Don’t let the idea of having it all figured out inhibit you from what you are meant to do. Be grateful for the “lasts” and the hard things to say goodbye to. Take it day by day, and know that you are not alone.