As my final year at Ohio University quickly approaches, I have found myself avoiding answering the question of what comes next. I’ve spent my time reflecting on moments I didn’t think I would survive, and memories I wish I could relive forever.
Heading into my senior year, I am challenging myself to remain present and not take the bricks I walk on each day for granted. However, as I prepare for things I want to do, I plan to create a senior year bucket list and hug my friends extra tight.
However, there are things I wish I hadn’t done, looking back on my time here.
Friendships in college are constantly changing. There are new people and new friend groups and oftentimes it can be ultra challenging to navigate. I spent a lot of time pouring energy into friendships that had, quite frankly, expired.
Looking back, I wish I had leaped sooner, branched out to find people who fit my heart a little better and left behind the relationships that only caused me stress and sadness. Whether you’re an incoming student or it’s also your final year, my advice to you is to unsubscribe from friendships that are no longer serving you.
One of my largest regrets of freshman year was not taking the time to budget money properly. Starting college means navigating a learning curve in balancing social, school, work and personal time. With the added freedom of independence, if not budgeted properly, money can quickly become a source of stress.
Looking back, I wish I had made a proper budget for myself, created financial goals and monitored my habits more closely. College is notoriously a time where finances are a stressor, with the typical stereotype denoting students as being broke.
It does hold up, as a recent survey conducted revealed 56% of college students could not afford a $500 payment in an emergency.
With the Trump administration proposing cuts to crucial financial aid components such as the Pell Grant, it is now more important than ever to be prepared financially when heading into college. Don’t wait until it’s too late to create a financial plan that is helpful and you will adhere to.
Another stressor of college is academic classes and finding time to complete work and stay on top of studies. As you move through college, one crucial thing to consider is to not to fake a love for your major. Choosing a major can be difficult, but it is important to enjoy the work you are doing in class, as that will mirror what happens in the outside world.
If you aren’t loving your major, there is no point in sticking it out when there may be a better option out there for you. Many students choose to change their major while in college, with 80% of college students making the change at least once.
OU has great resources for major exploration and skilled advisors to help you through the process. You aren’t going to enjoy every class you take, but you should enjoy your major and if you find yourself faking excitement for it, it may be time to switch.
They say that time will fly by. People said it about high school; they meant it then, and they mean it now, too. It does fly by, I feel like just yesterday I was moving into Tiffin Hall and now I’m planning for my final year in the beautiful place I call my home away from home. Although this advice has been repeated a multitude of times, no matter what year you are heading into, don’t take it for granted.
College is a time for you to discover who you are, expand your horizons and make mistakes along the way. While you will discover your “don’ts” throughout your time in Athens, don’t spend your time on things or people that don’t fill up your cup and don’t spend too much time in Pawpurr’s your first year.
Clara Leder is a senior studying education and journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Clara about their column? Email them at cl125221@ohio.edu.
