A picture taken of me and Alma Mater. Photo credit: Nader Babar.
We made it! My last Rose blog post before graduation. These past four years have been an unconventional journey due to the COVID-19 pandemic (to say the least), and as a result, the transition onwards from here may feel more uncertain, uncomfortable, and unforeseen than typically. That’s not to discount the fact that any person experiencing change might feel nervous about what’s to come. In tandem with the confusion we might feel though, there is also hope, aspiration, and potential improvement on the horizon. We have learned to adapt to incredible circumstances, and our flexibility will hopefully enable us to be more humble learners, generous teachers, and kinder to ourselves through these processes as we continue to discover more about who we are and what we value.
What is on the mind of my fellow seniors? I surveyed seniors in my social circle (via social media and word of mouth) to hear firsthand about what they are feeling. I myself resonated with many, if not all, of their sentiments. I wanted to bring seniors together (as well as to younger undergraduates who might be anticipating how they might feel in the next couple years). My intention is to create greater unity through voicing these fears and hopes. At the same time, I hoped to bring awareness to the resilience we each have that has helped us overcome previous challenges and will further fortify us in future ones.
In people’s responses, I hear anxiety, hesitation, and worry. But I also hear possibility, fun, and optimism. I may not know the answers to these questions just yet, but I will in time. I encourage you to be courageous in your decisions. I will now let the voices of my peers be your guide. (Note: I have abbreviated, combined, and summarized these responses in order to create more continuity).
Anxieties
Where will I live? Will I be alone? How will I maintain my friendships? How will I form new ones? Will I lose touch with people? What will my relationship with my family look like? If I am moving away from New York City, what will my environment be like? Will I feel FOMO not living in NYC? Should I feel guilty living away from my family? What will dating look like as a working individual? Will I ever find a partner? Do I need a partner? How do I come to terms with moving on without the safety net and meaning the Columbia identity provides me? What will guide me without the structure of school? Without activities designed for me as a student, how do I learn to keep life exciting for myself? What will my work-life balance look like? How will I take care of my health? What if I get sick and no one is there to take care of me? Who will my role models be? Will I find my passion? Will I ever do something that feels truly fulfilling? What will I do with my money? How do you save? How do I do taxes? What ARE taxes really?
What is investing? How will I take care of my family? When will I feel like I am not just always looking towards the next step?
Hopes
I will get to meet new people.
I will find people that make me feel whole.
I will find new inspiration.
I will learn from new challenges.
I will see my family more.
I will keep in touch with the friends I care about
I will find a better balance.
I will have it all and not one particular thing will take too much of my time. I get to build a new support system.
I will be happier and less stressed.
I won’t have to stress about exams ever again!
I will have freedom.
I will have independence.
I will travel and explore the world.
I can take better care of my mental and emotional health.
I know Columbia will always be here.
I get to explore the world knowing I have Columbia as a touchstone.
Signing off,
Cecilia + fellow ‘22ers