By: Gracie Trosper
Writer
This December, many Vol State students will be graduating, including myself. These students have worked hard and stayed dedicated, and as a result, will gain a degree in their chosen program. The commencement ceremony, for those who plan to attend, will take place on the Gallatin campus this month.
Feelings around graduating can be different for different individuals. These feelings can include happiness, an eager feeling, loss, excitement, or a combination of some. Whatever the feeling or feelings one may be feeling, they are all perfectly valid.
Personally, I would say there is a mix of emotions building up, but also some confusion over what all the emotions really are. Excitement and eagerness are probably the most prevalent emotions, especially now that I am graduating and have declared a major. There is definitely a feeling of loss growing as well though, confusion as well.
When starting at Vol State in August of 2022 as a full-time student, there was a lot of uncertainty and anxiety surrounding everything about college. All the studying, tests, essays, schedules, and many other activities felt overwhelming. Over time, feelings of anxiety and uncertainty remained when it came to all these; however, the negative feelings lessened as I fell into more of a routine and got used to how college worked. Understanding how everything worksand having a routine has been the best help so far.
As my time at Vol State is quickly approaching its end, the excitement and eagerness, with a feeling of loss accompanying the two, are the strongest emotions at the moment. Completing college is a huge accomplishment and requires a lot of dedication. This accomplishment and knowing my time and work has paid off, has led to the excitement I am feeling. Knowing I will be earning a degree and am now further educated has made me very eager to push through these last weeks.
While the feeling of loss is overpowered by my more positive emotions, it still remains as one of my dominant emotions. Being someone who values a routine but has trouble creating one myself, college has been a tool for me in a way. Having the same few classes every week, in the same rooms, with the same people has been great. Knowing exactly when I will be home and trying to plan out when to work on assignments has been another great part of this routine.
Yes, the routine is great but the thought of losing the somewhat consistent routine I have been following for barely over two years now is the opposite. It has created a feeling of loss. This routine will be lost, meaning I will have to try and find a new routine. Following that, I will then have to take time to grow used to the new routine I pick up. What is great though, is knowing I will eventually find something else to do.
Every feeling I have about graduating at Vol State combined has created some sort of odd mixture. Through all the hardships and confusion, there has also been plenty of new opportunities and excitement, which is only growing. I am highly anticipating this graduation and hope other students can feel accomplished as well.
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