The Last Years of Adolescence
| Published 09/24/04

Graphic by: Doni Neel

It seems that the closer to graduating students become, the more confused they get. The question arises, "Should I spend what's left of my time here enjoying myself or preparing myself for what's to come?" Junior year has seemed to be the turning point for many students here at RU including myself.

Maybe it is the fear that the real world is coming whether you are ready for it or not. Maybe it's the realization that you only have a couple more years to build your resume. Maybe it's because you realize that you soon can no longer coast and instead must try to stand out to get hired for that amazing job that hundreds of others are fighting for as well or make it into grad school.

Haven't you ever noticed that many academic clubs and business fraternities are made up of juniors and seniors? For those who have already realized that they need to become part of something other than Radford's drinking scene, leadership positions in those clubs seem to become the appropriate option.

Then the question arises if you have enough extracurricular activities? Do you only have too many when you begin falling asleep in class, because it is your only time for shut eye? These are some of the questions that plague the minds of those coming to the realization that we are no longer considered young adults but instead just adults.

The idea of being completely on my own terrifies me, but at the same time I wouldn't want it any other way. College has been a place for self-discovery, meeting people (some of which will stay with you for the rest of your life) and attempting to get your life on track.

I get a little more nervous everyday at the thought that I am one day closer to leaving this place, a place I have become so close to. Then I realize that while I am here, I am going to do my best to make the most of every moment. When I look back years from now I can say that college didn't just get me hired at that famous magazine but instead made me realize who I want to become.