There is a stigma of graduating late. Most people think you have something seriously wrong with you, they look at you like it is the worst news they could have heard when you tell them you aren’t graduating until the next semester instead of in May.
There seems to be an unwritten rule somewhere that you have to graduate in four years and when you’re done, have a job or go to graduate school. I’m here to tell you that it is okay to graduate late. I personally don’t even consider it late that I’m graduating in four and a half years instead of just four. A study done by the Complete College America said that only 19 percent of college students in the United States receive their bachelor’s degree within four years.
If you are in the other 81 percent, we are in the boat together. I wish I could say that I am always okay with not graduating on time. It gets really hard when most of my friends are graduating and starting to plan their lives. Having to sit back and watch them plan their jobs and where they are going to live while I am having to register for classes and pick a meal plan isn’t the best feeling.
There are a few advantages for those of us that are wishing we were graduating in May. We get a whole extra summer. When all your friends are cooped up in their offices with their stuffy work clothes we will be in our swimsuits, at the pool, thanking ourselves for the last summer of fun.
Having the extra semester eases you into the real world. If you are like me, my last semester I only have a few hours so I will be able to soak in my last few months here. I will also be able to work a lot more so that I can save some more money when I can no longer ask my dad for a little bit of extra cash. There is a ease of mind knowing I will hopefully be able to squirrel away some cash before entering the world of bills and unknown expenses.
This time is also a hidden blessing. You will arrive where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there. Timing is not always perfect and waiting for promises to be fulfilled is hard. I know some days are easier than others to be happy for your friends that are in the 19 percent but be happy for them but also be content in the place that you are in. You will get where you are going, don’t worry about the timing.
