As we sprint into May, graduating seniors at colleges around the country are wrapping up their last final exams, awash in reminiscing and thinking about–or avoiding thinking about–your diverging paths ahead.
If this is you, I want to share a simple recommendation:
Stop.
Have a seat.
And check in with yourself.
This may sound difficult to fit into a busy time of studying, partying, soaking up those last bits of college fun, or sitting in the uncertainty or dread of what’s to come.
But “future you” will be grateful that you did. A little bit of mindfulness can go a long way.
A simple, 20-minute checkin on your college experience
The mechanics are up to you, but I recommend finding a quiet, outdoor place to sit by yourself. Bring a notebook or journal, or open a new note on your phone’s notes app, and give yourself 20 minutes to think about the past four(ish) years.
These three questions can help center your thoughts:
What have I learned about myself?
Are there things about “college me” that I definitely want to bring into my next phase of life? Things I want to leave behind?
How have I changed during my time in college?
Have I grown in confidence or tried new things? Have I found a new passion and dug into it? Are there things I used to consider a part of me that have been lost in the shuffle, and that I want to focus on bringing back?
Who are three people I want to keep in touch with?
How will I plan and ensure that happens, especially if we are physically distant? Are there faculty or staff members I want to stay in touch with? Is there anyone who helped me along the way that I want to send a quick note of thanks?
Spend a few minutes on each question and jot down some thoughts. There’s no need here to write extensively or try to dig deeply into your thoughts and feelings. Think of this as a momentary check-in and a draft set of notes for future you.
One more thing before you go
Before you close the journal or exit the note, ask yourself one more question:
Does this give me any priorities for approaching my last few days or weeks on campus as part of this community?
With that intention in mind, close your notes–making sure they are findable for future you–and go live these last few college days to your fullest!
