The days before graduation feel like traversing a world of clouds.

The things I am doing obtain a more objective feel to them as the slow realization of upcoming change takes hold.

I find myself looking wistfully at my surroundings, realizing that the environments that I am accustomed to are shifting.

A great weight lies on my shoulders; however, the weight feels lessened, as if some strange, metaphysical being is assisting me to the conclusion of my undergraduate career.

I remember the first day of grade school, when the teacher informed us that we would be studying within various educational systems for 10+ years. They talked about college as if it was a distant memory, golden gates of scholarly expertise that lie behind years of studying and refinement. Now, nearing the conclusion of my bachelors degree, I feel almost completely disassociated from that childlike feeling of wonder that pervaded me all those years ago. No longer it is something to dream about–rather it has manifested in my life as a physical objective.

As you may or may not have seen, I have recently been recommended by FSU’s Urban and Regional Planning Masters Degree Admissions Board to enter their master’s program. This represents a potential advance that defies what I dreamed about during my grade school years. In another world, perhaps the Tower of Alexandria for example, this move would be seen as more prestigious and responsible from a scholarly standpoint. In this world, the only thing that people equate a degree to is money, and I feel like that doesn’t do the process justice. There was once a respect for people who engaged in higher learning, rather than it just being a requirement for any person who exists. College is extremely expensive, and the implications of pursuing a degree should be taken into consideration by all parties involved, including the student themselves. There shouldn’t be any stigma granted to people who decide not to pursue a higher education, as it represents the freedom of choice that aligns with the most basic of freedoms that our nation advertises. However, at the same time, acknowledgement needs to be given to those who decide to forgo financial independence in order to pursue their dreams.

I am so sick of people talking shit about degree choices. Who gives a fuck if a person decides to pursue a degree in English literature? In the end, all you are doing is preventing our country from perpetuating the expansion of culture, which is the fucking reason why life is worth living. Unless you are some emotionless robot who just exists to preform your function, you partake in America’s culture, one way or another. It could be a popular TV show, books–hell, even automobiles. Inspiration inspires inspiration. Did you know that the Delorean only received its legendary status when a movie franchise based its time travel device designs off of the car model? Did you know that books are written by people who study English literature? Did you know that any form of media ever was inspired by culture? Did you also know that without a culture, we would become emotionless husks, and fail to advance as a species?

The people who study right now are the most selfless, self-depreciating individuals you could imagine. We have entire generations of people who are going to be in thousands of dollars in debt, entirely driven by their own curiosity and promise of progression. Rather than being satisfied with what is presented, this is a manifested attempt to partake in the struggle to innovate that we have been coping with since we because a capitalistic monolith. However, this has come at a cost.

“1 out of every 4 college students suffers from some form of mental illness, including depression. 44 percent of American college students report having symptoms of depression. 75 percent of college students do not seek help for mental health problems. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among college students.” (Kerr, 2012)

So, riding the conclusion of my undergraduate degree into the summer, I have to thank a couple of people.

Mom and Dad, thank you for always believing in me, and supporting my endeavors throughout all the bad times, and the great times. You both inspired me to achieve heights that I never thought possible, and provide logical, persistent advice.

Kudra Abaco. Thank you for editing my papers, and providing a voice of guidance during moments of uncertainty.

Professor Judith Cuadra, though I observed the master’s program with eagerness, my progression was partly in due to your counsel as I finished my undergraduate degree in your class. I look forward to collaborating with you in the future.

Citation

Kerr, M. (2012, March 29). Depression and College Students. Retrieved April 29, 2017, from http://www.healthline.com/health/depression/college-students