Have you ever heard the expression, “Give it the old college try”? This saying is perhaps the most fitting for what many college students go through during their time at school. A definition on Urban Dictionary describes the expression as “giving something your best shot, even if you aren’t sure how to do it.” So why is this relevant to college students? Because so often we are told we need to figure out what we want to do with our lives even though we may not know what that is yet or how to do it.
Some of us are fortunate. We go into college with an idea of what we want to do with our lives. Maybe we are trying to pursue that “I want to be a nurse” dream we held so close to our hearts when we were little. Or maybe through interacting with little cousins we discovered a love for children and decided to go into education. However, even those who go into college thinking they know what they want can sometimes surprise themselves.
Many of us at the Equinox are approaching graduation in a month. For many of us, reality is sinking in and we are beginning to figure out our future plans. If there’s any advice we can offer underclassmen it’s this: never stop experimenting with your interests. Many students complain about the Integrated Studies Program (ISP) and feel annoyed when taking classes that don’t directly relate to their majors. Trust us, make the most of those ISPs, you may discover a passion you never have before. Remember that change is a good thing. Many of us get stuck in our ways and forget there’s a whole world of new ideas all around us. Maybe you’re a biology major and you believe you need to stay within your science bubble and only stray away to your close-by neighbor, math. We urge you to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Sign up for that creative writing class you’ve always been tempted to take; your results may surprise you.
George amaru / art director
Now seniors, just because graduation is right around the corner, doesn’t mean we’re a lost cause. Yes, we’re all about to graduate with a certain degree, but that doesn’t mean we’re tied to it forever. Many majors are much more all-encompassing than you would think. You may find that you’ll end up working somewhere you would have never before predicted. You may surprise yourself with your own qualifications. Give yourself a pat on the back. You made it; you’re graduating. Regardless of what it is you studied, remember all the hard work you put into it, and know that it is indeed worth something.
The message we want to get across is that it’s never too late to discover your passion. Know that many people are unsure with the decisions they make — that is okay. Growth begins outside of your comfort zone. So get out there, try new things, be open-minded and realize that knowledge is power. When all else fails, keep giving things the old college try.
