So You Wish You Went to College

Oleh: Lori
March 9, 2011

This is a guest blog by Samantha Cross, a history/French/English undergrad just trying to make it through 4th year alive. (P.S. she also plays the guitar and sings!)

Disclaimer: certain people may be offended by the following. This includes but is not limited to:

a) those irritating people who participate simultaneously with UTSU, the Varsity Blues, and The Trinity Tripod or whatever while maintaining a GPA of 4.0 (barf)

b) anyone who did not understand why I ended that with a “barf”, or

c) anyone who thinks that 15 pages for a paper is just not enough and always wants more, MOREEE!!!1

If you’re still with me, I feel for you. You’re probably like me – a fourth-year student, disillusioned after having all the Froshie enthusiasm beaten out of you by years of torture and abuse. The copious amounts of caffeine, the late nights, and tens of minutes spent cramming (THANK YOU WIKIPEDIA) have all taken their toll. You’re just trying to make it to Con Hall alive. And according to your countdown (there’s an app for that), you just have to hang in there for 35 days, 7 hours, 26 minutes and 8 (7! 6!! 5!!!) more seconds. So why does this semester feel like the hardest yet?

Because it is. It just is. You’re so close and yet so far to being finished, and your brain is checking out early. Know that we are all suffering, and that it could be much, much worse. You might hate yourself for choosing university over college, but trust me: college is not a free ride. That’s just what they want you to think.

My brother is in his first year of college, and – poor sucker – is already feeling the same way as I am in my fourth year at U of T. His program only lasts 2 years, and when he started, it took everything I had not to pull my hair out and scream in a fit of jealous rage. But then I started proofreading his assignments, because I’m just that nice and I enjoy not doing my own work. There were just so many.

Needless to say, I quickly realized that I’d be equally miserable had I chosen college over university. And you would be, too!

Just remember that we’re all in this together. Don’t focus on the time you have left, but on the time you’ve already spent. The 35 days, 7 hours, and 26 minutes you have left don’t really compare with the 1275 you’ve already put in. Try to think back on the ideas that BLEW YOUR MIND in first year, to be thankful that pursuing an education has made your gargantuan brain bulge with sage wisdom and knowledge. SRS ALERT: in many countries, women literally risk their lives every day to go to school. “You’re really lucky” is a ridiculous understatement. Think about it.

In three months, you’ll be standing (or at least crawling, depending on what kind of shape you’re actually in by then) at Con Hall desperately clutching your diploma as you do the last shred of your sanity. You’ll be much more than a graduate – you’ll be a survivor. So hang in there, appreciate what you’ve learned, and take comfort in the fact that you’ll never, EVER have to go through this again.

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4 Comments

  • Kelley
    March 11, 2011

    We can do this! lol I have to agree, the last month is the hardest, esp if your set for graduating!

    Reply
  • N
    March 15, 2011

    but i’m tireeddd :(

    (2 more months, omg two more months)

    Reply
  • RS
    August 20, 2011

    Going into fourth year. This makes me feel a little better about being at school for my last year!

    Reply
  • Tina
    October 27, 2011

    Yes, I agree. It’s important to reflect on the good things in the four years you spent in University. Students are so focused completing their courses on time, taking bird courses in the summer and slaving away during the school year in the library. We all know school is our first priority. What I also think is important is how you spend your University life not just between the books. Making friends and joining student groups is equally as important. Trying something out of your comfort zone by going to a frat party or starting brand new hobby are important memories too. There are a lot of things we can do after University. Get a job, start your career, etc. I’m in my sixth year in University. I look back at these six years and have countless accomplishments and unforgettable memories. I attended frosh, became a frosh leader, joined some student groups, established and chartered a sorority, and landed a job at a bank. Truthfully, I don’t remember doing a whole lot of studying but I do remember I told myself, “There are things we are meant to do in University and not after”. Studying is important; make it to Con Hall alive. I’m going to make to Con Hall with all of my memories from my academic career.

    Reply

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