The end of college marks a new chapter and a way to find oneself. It’s a special experience to transition out of school alone and have complete say over where life goes. Being single is a good idea after college, and whether job plans, travel plans or new friendships are what the future holds, being single allows one to be the main focus at a transitional time.
Athens and Ohio University can be safe spaces and their own little bubble, as receiving an education is the main focus. For many, this allowed time for relationships and a potentially simple life where friends, love and school were all that mattered. Houses and dorms are no more than a 15–20-minute walk away from each other, and distance isn’t a worry because if you are in a relationship, chances are that person lives down the street. However, the real world is more than coffee dates on Court Street and meetings at Alden Library between classes.
Change has been happening without us realizing. The person you were at 18 years old is a much different person than you are in your early 20s. This means there's still more to discover about yourself, and self-growth can happen immensely when single. It’s a time for complete self-discovery and evolution. You can gain work and dating experience as well as find more hobbies.
Picturing the 20-year-old version of yourself can be special when you see how you are officially on your own. This allows you to build a better image of what you want or need in a future partner. Understanding yourself can create a better relationship template.
Women are specifically choosing, and have the option, to be on their own now. It’s no longer expected of women to settle down, marry and have kids, which has been the norm for many years. Marriage isn’t an obligatory path, and using this choice can be enjoyable, and in many ways, it’s empowering to have complete freedom in choosing your path and finding when, and even where, you are at your happiest.
When graduating from college, many wish to move or try new jobs. Being single means it’s really your own input and resources that influence this, and many are more willing to do this without a relationship on the line. I have found that I wish to move abroad after graduation, and this decision is a lot easier to make without having to balance a relationship.
Being in a relationship can still be the right decision for many people. Some were lucky enough to find the person for them at a young age, and this is wonderful. However, many people may feel pressure to be in or stay in a relationship due to safety and convenience, when being single can actually be a great, freeing experience. Self-discovery through independence when being single is a great way to go about life, for a short or long period of time.
Athens is a simple place with a tight-knit community, and the next step is to become an independent adult in the real world. Staying single allows for all experiences to be considered and personal goals to be the top priority. To end college on your own may not be that scary, and actually the right fit.
Kyra Dapore is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Kyra know by emailing her at kd364521@ohio.edu.
