Velichia’s Senior Year Blues blog was created for the COM 311 Social and Interactive Media Class this semester. See more of these blogs featured on The Peace Times website throughout the end of the semester or click here to visit them now.
Yes, I know that we are all ready for to stuff our faces for Thanksgiving and get socks and toothpaste in our Christmas stockings (or is that just me?) But what about the dreaded question we are all going to get asked “What are you doing when you graduate? What are you doing with your life?” AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Well let’s see how we can dodge and avoid all these awful questions:
Topics to Avoid:
Partying: Imply there is plenty to do without using the specifics. “There are lots of campus activities.” And if they want details, ya know you don’t have to lie, but you know what goes on a campus.
Love Life: UGH. Why is that everyone is so nosy?! MYOB fam! Since I’m sure you don’t ask about your parents’ sex life or your grandmothers’ they don’t get to ask questions either.
“Are you dating someone yet?”
Major/Future Job Prospects/Graduate School Plans: “So what are you thinking for a career?” This is the type of question that is often brought up by a relative who doesn’t know you. As if to say, “Have you never thought about your future before? Ever?” What a good conversational opener! Don’t get freaked out!
BUT.. Why not have a little fun with the above question?
Here’s my idea..
Tell them you meant you a guy, who owns a club.. and he says you’re going to be one of his best dancers.
I bet, that will be keep em’ quite?
Harder Topics to Avoid:
How is school going?: This is the easy question that every aunt, uncle, and cousin will start off with. It can usually be answered with a one-word response like “good” or “fine”, but these people are looking gratifying details to relive their glory days of college. Plus you only see them once a year, so it’s better to talk about school than any of the above topics.
Grades: It’s pretty hard to fake performance when it’s recorded in a G.P.A. for your parents too see. They usually are paying for college after all. If you’re not doing so hot, just put a twist on it. “I’m having a hard time, but I’m trying really hard.” That’s a much better way of saying “I’m failing and life sucks.”
Roommate/s: Family members love to blame your shortcomings on people other than you and themselves. If you and your roommate party a little too much, they don’t have to know. If you and your roommate don’t get along so well, they don’t have to know. Just say life is great and you love your roomie. And if you’re like me, you’re roomie is probably sitting next to you at Thanksgiving.
Money: Every time I come home for the holiday’s my dad is always asking me what I’m spending all my money on, actually he’s asking me that on the daily. But it’s especially nice when you come home, because you’re grandma is there and she’s always ready for with a hug and $20.00 bill, and to tell your dad to leave you alone!
Guys, we are graduating soon. Most of us are in are early twenties, or are approaching our mid-twenties and times are changing especially around the holidays! No matter how you celebrate, your 20s are the first time you really have to deal with three Holiday realities: one, that your life is rapidly changing and growing; two, that your life is not yet settled enough to dictate how you want it to go; and three, most of us don’t live at home anymore, and it’s just different. Life is just different.
Last year for Christmas you know what I asked for? A CROCK-POT. You, know you’re getting old when…
There’s one last thing that we need to address, with holiday’s come stress, you can’t avoid and sometimes as a college student you experience some different kinds of stress during this time, than normal. Neil Schoenherr, from Washington University in St. Louis writes, “common stressors for students include:
• Lack of money to buy gifts
• Not feeling as “jolly” as the media tells and shows them they ought to feel
• Experiencing the holidays differently as they grow older
• Having to deal with “family dynamics” when they return home
• Overindulgence in food and alcohol
• Feeling rushed to get everything done (shopping, studying for finals, baking, etc.)
• Feelings about friends and family not present during celebrations
• Fear of not celebrating winter break the way they would like to ”
(https://source.wustl.edu/2007/12/helping-college-students-deal-with-stress-during-winter-break/)
We all know, stress cannot be completely avoided but if you look at my other post you can see ways to avoid some stressors and during the holidays, just remember that you’re on a break. Time is meant to be enjoyed with loved ones, regardless of what holiday you do or do not celebrate.
My advice to you, have fun and enjoy family, eat a lot of food, drink a lot of wine (if you’re of age of course, and REST UP. After the holidays it’s go mode. We have a lot to do and not a lot of time to do. Enjoy your family and your break.
Happy Holidays!
Like what you see? Check out what Velichia has to say about student life at:
https://senioryearbluesblog.wordpress.com