Hey Lovely Babes!
Well it is official! I have graduated my bachelor of arts with a major in archaeology and a minor in psychology!
Today, I just wanted to say some words about my graduating before signing off for the night. Also, I did not go to my grad because I didn’t know a ton of people! I loved celebrating with my family. I accomplished something amazing, but I would never have gotten there if they hadn’t helped me through it emotionally and sometimes financially. They’re the reasons for all of my accomplishments! The next degree I do, I will go to the grad. I just thought this time I would celebrate at home ❤️
University was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and a lot of people do not get it. When I started university, I did not get accepted into my program of choice, so I went to another university to take a few courses there before transferring over. I did a year there and decided wow I dislike this program so much, why am I trying to get into it (teaching)? The next thing I did was attempt to transfer into nursing. I just would jump from program to program trying to find where I fit in. The truth is, is that I was not doing great in my courses. I was doing ok, but not good enough to get into an extremely competitive program. I was devastated every rejection letter I got. But if I’m being completely honest, I was not trying hard enough. I was so lost and did not know what direction to go so I was latching onto anything that sounded remotely interesting.
Two things began to happen in my second last year. One, I began working at the hospital and second, I got accepted into a program for archaeology in Italy. When I began to work some of these jobs- whether it was a real job or job shadowing- I began to realize that they weren’t for me. It wasn’t until I went to a counsellor who told me to focus on the degree I was in now, that I began to really take it seriously. I learned which courses I loved and which ones I really hated. This all helped to develop who I am. I went to Italy, and fell in love with that profession and really began to work towards it for the first time.
As much as I complained about the whole degree, I secretly enjoyed being that crazy overwhelmed and I loved every anthropology course that was thrown my way. I built up relationships with professors in related fields and I began to go to classes more, because I began to enjoy learning. I love my degree. I can go across seas and use it wherever I want and get paid to visit anywhere (anthropology major).
Currently, I am taking a year off of school. As much as I enjoyed it at the end, I really want to figure out who I am and where I fit in the world. I also need a break. I have been going to school since I started kindergarten with no break! That is way too long. I need to know what life is like without school, even if it is just for a year. After my gap year is done, I am going back to learn how to build props! I absolutely LOVED it when I was working with my cousin. I know now that even though I worked crazy long hours with her, I still enjoyed it. Now it seems dumb that I hadn’t thought to go that way! I love art, movies, and theatre- how could I not see this as an option?!
I’m excited for my year to start. I’ve got four trips lined up! Europe, Mexico, and as many trips to the mountains as possible. What I am trying to say to you, is that do not feel disappointed if you’re rejected. Do not get upset if something does not work out. Take a step back and re- evaluate. Maybe something that you thought you loved isn’t what you’re meant to do! Maybe there’s better plans for you! And if it’s something you feel very passionate about then do everything you can to achieve it. But if it is not working for you, then it’s not meant to be. Explore your options. If you’re feeling anxious or confused know that something will work out for you in the end!
To my parents- thank you for absolutely everything. You’re the reason I made it out, and found something new. When I went to Vancouver, they paid for my whole trip to job shadow my cousin to see if it was something I wanted to do. I really needed that, so thank you. Emotionally and financially, they got me through.
Anyways, that was all I wanted to say! Congratulations to any class of 2017! Good luck in your future endeavours!
– Erin
Avenue 23 