About two months ago I wrote this post (click to read) about transitioning back to college after an incredible summer. A quick summary for new readers…transitions have always been hard for me, even this (my senior!) year. I like routine and anything new throws me for a loop. That doesn’t mean I don’t do new things, it just sometimes takes more effort and energy than I’d like it to. A reader suggested I write a follow-up post a few months down the line; I put a reminder in my phone that day. That reminder went off this week, so here I am with a quick update.
When I wrote that post I remember feeling really lost. In a funk, almost. I counted down the days and just wanted to get through. If we’re being honest (always) I still do count down the days to an extent but only because I have so many exciting things coming up. Somewhere in the last two months I fell into a groove. What I wrote about in that post happened, even though I couldn’t picture it then. I got into a routine and once classes picked up, things felt normal. Of course I get homesick (still do) but it doesn’t affect my every day. I WISH there was a concrete turning point or moment but it was just time passing. That’s a reminder for me to never set a timeline for things in life. Things will happen when they happen.
Because I needed a picture for this post…
Just like my most recent transition from marathon training to not running or cardio-ing (go with it), all types of change take some mental strength. I’m not one to blatantly say “stay positive” and “look at the bright side,” because that stuff is hard for me. I try, but I’m not always successful.
However, there are a few things that HAVE helped me:
- Giving myself a grace period for adjusting
- Leaning on my support system
- Thinking back on past changes/transitions and determining what helped then
The last two months have been filled with highs and low, some of which I haven’t shared here. And now, I’m less than two months away from graduation and mentally, emotionally and physically preparing for my next transition…life after college. There’s such a thing?! Although there will be some buffer time (yay) I still think about my future constantly. It’s a brand new challenge and I’m working on letting go of my self-imposed expectations. More on that soon…
I am totally the same way. Even coming back from vacation…I get legit a little depressed going back to the daily grind lol and I used to be that same way in college. I would come back from Christmas vacation (because I was in school every Summer) and just feel so down or out of whack. You got dis girl I am so excited for you and this new chapter!!!
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I get like that after vacations too! At least I can expect it now and “prepare” as best as I can. So exited for good ol’ Tamps.
I always struggle adjusting to a new routine, so I am usually in a funk when a new semester begins too. Once I get adjusted I usually forget about how I felt at the beginning of the semester because I have so much other stuff on my mind keeping me busy rather than dwelling on the transition. I think having a support system that you can trust and rely on is SO helpful in these cases!!
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I would be lost without my support system. I owe so much to them!
I’m so glad you’ve been able to get into a groove and shake the lost feeling!
I think it’s really great, too, that you’ve been able to identify what works for you personally to help during transitions.
Wow, less than 2 months from graduation?! An exciting new challenge for sure :)
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Yes! Mid December! With Thanksgiving I feel like November will go by quickly too.
Change/transitions are never easy. Good news: no one enjoyed college more than me, but I graduated last May and must say that post-grad life is amazing! You have an even higher level of freedom and less obligations. Nothing beats working hard to sustain yourself and feeling like a contributing member of society. I’m excited for your next step!
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That is so encouraging to hear! I don’t love everything about college, but I like the idea of having classes and knowing that August-May will be school. Usually after summer comes a new grade, but not this year.
SAME. I could have written this post myself. I definitely still struggle with change and while it’s gotten slightly easier, I know I have a long way to go. There are things that don’t make it onto my blog about struggles I’m dealing with and things I do talk about. I think most people do have trouble with major transitions (which you’re going through!) so it’s nice to know you’re not alone. I can’t wait for you to graduate! I think you’re going to LOVE the real world. Honestly.
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I’m convinced we were separated at birth. Thanks for this!!!
Transition periods are something I have always struggled with as well, but I love how self-aware you are, Emily! It’s incredible to see your mature and the way you handle these events.
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Thanks, Julia! I’ve come a long way since my freshman year. If I had a blog then it would have shown a different story.
I’m so glad yo u posted the update as i remember at the time i was experiencing some small transitions. and you are right…it just takes time ! and you gotta give yourself some breaks. its funny i am the same i dont really like change though i still go after things that i know will result in change. i long for the comforts of the familiar past but at the same time am excited at what a bright future can hold. it seems like a weird place to be in at times. i think your approach is spot on.
I’m very glad you suggested an update! I still go after things that will result in change too. It’s just the actual change part that throws me off ha
I think this can just be the best time to try something new in any aspect of your life you want. Really grasp a change and see what happens with the new time you have!
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I’m actually really excited for it! Just have to get past my negative thoughts.
I used to feel the same way about going back to university but a good routine, especially with the end in sight, pulled me through eventually :)
Change is something I also struggle with and after graduating in July, things have been far from smooth on the employment front… However, that doesn’t mean I haven’t had some incredible experiences and by shifting my own expectations slightly, I am trying to enjoy the variety and not get too stressed out about things not being as clear cut as I would have initially wanted.
I admire your strategy and know that your perceptiveness will get you to where you want to be. xx
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I love your perspective on post-grad life. Something I hope to adopt as things certainly won’t be as planned out as I initially thought they would.
Congrats on being so close to graduation! My advice is to enjoy the time off in between graduation and work. I had five weeks, but with the holidays and moving, it didn’t feel like a long enough break!
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Thanks, Rebecca! Oh I will…taking advantage of it!
I know the feeling! I felt so anxious and down during the beginning of my last semester of college. It’s so hard not knowing exactly where you’re going to end up. Once I took a deep breath and realized that there’s no rush – everyone goes through the same thing – it all fell into place. Congrats to you in your upcoming graduation and good luck! You will do awesome :)
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Thanks, Rachel! And thanks for the reminder that there’s no rush. I want to take advantage of this “in between” time.