So, you’ve been diagnosed with senior year jitters

Jalyn Thomas, Contributing Writer

Many students will graduate this year — myself included — whether or not we feel prepared to go out in the real world. 

A week before classes started, I was thinking about what I had accomplished in past years. I have a half-baked website, an unorganized portfolio and a habit of doubting my future. 

I have constantly asked myself, “Who really feels like they have done enough during their years at university?” 

Although those who have known what they want to do since childhood have probably achieved more than me, I cannot think too hard about them. Despite my setbacks, what is important is that I eventually figure out what I want to do. 

I have spent much of this summer comparing my life and career to others. But now, I want to focus on the present.

If you are in the same boat, then you have also looked at others and wondered how they got their opportunities or seemingly know what to do. I came to the conclusion that it is about pursuing what you want. 

If you hold back, you will not achieve what you want. Three years ago, I was a freshman — I blinked and now I am a senior who does not know what may happen after college. 

While this is advice for seniors to not be worried they are not doing enough, it is also advice to freshmen to do whatever feels right. 

There will always be opportunities out there. While some may not entirely align with your ideal career trajectory, the experience is still worth it. I wish I had this mindset as a freshman that actually spent time nourishing his own interests. 

To me, the concept of senior year jitters consists of comparisons between the self and others, but it can also be an opportunity for self-reflection.

The beauty in all of this is how greatly the college experience varies in this community at VCU, with everyone making up the different sides of the same disfigured coin. 

Comparison is inevitable — what matters is what you do with it. I wish someone told me this, and to not pressure myself too much when trying to figure my life out. 

No path is linear, especially in university. I believe the best course of action is to find out what you truly want and then go for it. Still, there is no need to rush.