4 ways to make your last semester count
By: Kaitlyn
As someone who is graduating in the fall, I understand how my fellow graduates feel with the end of our studies approaching. With all the assignments, exams and studying happening, it is easy to forget that we should be taking in the last few weeks of school left! I'm so excited to be finishing school that I sometimes forget to feel sentimental about the fact that this is my last time ever being a student (hopefully!)
Whether you’ve spent the past few years studying, making new friends, or exploring all that campus life has to offer, now is the time to make sure you’re checking off those last few items on your college bucket list. This is your time to make sure that the past three, four or even five years of your life at college can transition you smoothly into not only the workforce but into a life of confidence and happiness. Here are four ways that you can make your last semester as a student count! 🎓👩🏻🎓
Take advantage of campus resources
One of the best benefits of being a student is having access to so many discounts and even FREE items! The Sheridan Student Union offers mental health services as part of the health and dental coverage fee, a FREE student price card and a number of perks available throughout the school year! Whether you want to treat yourself after exams to a discounted puff pastry at Holy Puff or relieve your stress by participating in a bouldering climbing gym at Cave Rock Climbing, take advantage of these deals while you are still a student!
2. Network and build relationships
Graduation may feel like the finish line, but it’s really just the beginning of your professional journey. We have all heard throughout college how important it is to network with people, and this is honestly true! You never know who could play a role in your future, whether this be a classmate or an instructor. So, make sure you are always putting your best work forward and are respectful to everyone! You never know where you might end up.
3. Create a post-graduation plan
I love planning, whether this be a trip or my future! Nothing is set in stone, and no one expects you to have it all figured out after graduation! However, creating a plan is beneficial! This plan can include identifying career paths for yourself, researching job opportunities online and fixing up your resume. This can also include mapping out your summer - now that you have the freedom, why not book that trip you’ve been dreaming about? Go for it! Whether you are starting an internship, going on your dream vacation or just searching for what you are truly passionate about – planning it out can remove the anxieties associated with graduation!
4. Celebrate your achievements
Unfortunately, I am someone who overlooks their accomplishments and is always looking to do more! I’ve come to realize just how important it is to celebrate all the hard work you’ve put into something once it’s finished! Celebrating your achievements builds your confidence, makes you feel more motivated and shows your commitment to hard work. Maintain a positive mindset through recognizing how far you have come and be proud of the progress you have made! Graduation is a great time for self-reflection so don’t forget to pat yourself on the back and take in your last moments as a student.
Your last semester is more than just a countdown to when that last assignment will be submitted, it's the finale of a period of your life you have worked so hard to accomplish. Between exams, projects, and the anxiety of moving on, it’s easy to lose sight of just how far you’ve come. Soak it all in and finish strong - you got this!
Graduating this semester or feeling anxious about life after graduation?
Explore our graduation blog series, where we share inspiring stories from Sheridan graduates and offer practical tips to help you feel confident throughout your studies - and beyond.
Whether you’ve spent the past few years studying, making new friends, or exploring all that campus life has to offer, now is the time to make sure you’re checking off those last few items on your college bucket list. Check out Kaitlyn’s four ways towards making your last semester count! 🎓👩🏻🎓