college

 

It feels like just yesterday I was walking across campus, rushing to finish assignments, and dreaming about the day I’d finally graduate. And now, here I am, about to leave behind the place that’s been my home for the past few years, and step into something completely new: a real job. And honestly? I don’t really know how I feel about it.

On one hand, I’m excited—like, really excited. I’m about to start a new chapter, one where I get to use everything I’ve been learning and actually get paid for it! No more cramming for exams, no more all-nighters before big papers (well, hopefully no more of that). I’m finally going to be independent, and that’s honestly thrilling. I’m ready to take on new challenges, learn from real-world experiences, and prove to myself (and maybe even to everyone who ever doubted me) that I can handle it.

But then… there’s the other side. The side that feels a little anxious, a little scared, and maybe a little sad too. College wasn’t just about classes—it was about finding who I am, making lifelong friends, and navigating some of the hardest (and best) years of my life. Let’s be real: there’s something comforting about being surrounded by people who are in the same boat as you. Everyone’s just figuring things out together, right? So, the thought of leaving that behind for an office with people I don’t know? Yeah, that’s a little intimidating.

I keep thinking about what I’m leaving behind. College felt like a safe space—there was room to fail, to make mistakes, to change my mind. But stepping into a job feels different. There’s pressure to succeed, to perform, to be something more professional and polished. I mean, will I even fit in? What if I don’t live up to the expectations? What if I mess up?

And yet, even with all the uncertainty, I know this is just part of the process. It’s part of growing up, part of figuring out who I’m going to be in this next stage of my life. It’s not about leaving college behind—it’s about taking everything I’ve learned, all the mistakes I’ve made, and everything that’s shaped me, and applying it to something bigger. The world is bigger than campus, and that feels both terrifying and empowering at the same time.

The truth is, I’ll miss college. I’ll miss the late-night talks with friends, the random adventures, and the feeling that I was constantly learning and growing, even when it didn’t always feel like it. But I’m also ready for the next step. Ready to see what happens when I leave my comfort zone and take on the unknown.

So, yeah, I’m a little scared. I’m a little unsure of what’s to come. But deep down, I know that’s exactly what I’m supposed to feel. The best things in life come from stepping into the unfamiliar, right? Here’s to the next chapter, with all its highs and lows. I can’t wait to see where it takes me.