Graduating senior prepared for future career path

All good things come to an end and so do my college years. With graduation only a couple of weeks away, I am beyond ecstatic and ready. Although I’ve had my share of stressful moments, I am past that and providing all my efforts into the last weeks of the semester.
I recall the week before I moved on campus. I had so many fears: fear of being on my own, fear of taking a new step in my life and fear of growing up. My parents had never let me stay over at anybody’s house, yet they gave me the opportunity to move out 35 miles for a good education. Four years later, I can honestly say, I am a new me. UCA shaped me into an adult.
Freshman year was a total learning experience about life to me. I saw new things and was able to mingle with different types of people. I learned about myself during freshman year more than any other year. Senior year is a transition into adulthood. I have become more responsible, the work load has increased significantly and I am able to prioritize my needs.
Working for The Echo for two semesters has taught me to step out of my shell and get ready for the real world. The deadlines, the stress, the late nights in the newsroom, the interviews and the variety of assignments were worth the time and effort.
It has been a long 17 years in school since kindergarten and although I plan to go back to school for a Master’s degree, for now, I am ready to start a career.
I dream of wearing business attire to work every day, stepping into an office and most importantly, putting the skills I have learned to good use. I used to say, “I want to be in school forever.” But dipping into the last semester changed that. It was an unrealistic view but the love I have for learning new things took me there. I plan to continue studying because it will keep my mind sharp and up-to-date.
I came to college thinking I would pursue a career as a financial analyst and I ended up taking the journalistic path. I am doing what I love and that is writing. I am aware that going into this field isn’t the best paying job, but it does open other doors for me for bigger opportunities. One of my biggest fears has always been coming this far and not being able to find a job after graduation. But my outlook is positive and my potential as well.
This university is full of memories, good, bad and crazy. I will miss the late nights with friends, random midnight trips to the fountain and sunbathing on the grass. I will also miss the naps during the day and not having a curfew. As I prepare for what’s to come, I will keep in mind the advice of my professors and their dedication.