Growing up and getting older is a part of life that is inevitable. Each day is filled with new lessons and experiences that one can learn from. The young adults of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. However, just because one may be “grownup,” does not mean that they are ready to face the real world.
Coming to college is the time in a young adult’s life when they should experience as much as they possibly can. The whole world is at their feet and many are afraid to plunge in when they should be shouting at the top of their lungs, “Ready or not, here I come!”
Entering the college world is a brand new experience that may seem scary at first, and can continue to be throughout the first year. There is no one there to tell you what to do or make sure you go to class. It is a real eye opener being on your own for the first time, and each person takes the challenge in a different way. Tori Layer, a freshman, said, “ When I was a senior in high school I was so excited to leave because I was tired of being a high school student. I wanted to be on my own and experience the world, and I did not want my parents by my side 24/7.” There comes a time when you are ready to spread your wings and fly from the nest. You may not be fully prepared for what you are going into, but you need to take the chance and experience the rest of the world and break the comfort of your own backyard.
The transition my not always run as smoothly as one might expect. When it comes to leaving the college world, there are so many more obstacles that you have to worry about. Now you are on the hunt for the job of your dreams and a place to live. It is time to grow up even more than you already have. Senior Molly Unangst said, “It is overwhelming to think of all the changes and new responsibilities that will come after graduation and starting a new job, but I think Etown has prepared me well for these changes. Professors and Career Services have been very helpful and continue to be great resources for students.”
I think that each person is different and we all grow up at our own paces. Some may be ready to experience the real world while others are still hesitant. I do not think that today’s generation is unprepared, but rather afraid to leave their comfort zone.
Parents have a big role to play in the growing up process as well. The people that took care of you all of your life are the ones that have just as hard of a time letting go as the ones that are leaving. Being the youngest out of three children, I knew that my parents would have mixed feelings once I headed to college. On one hand they would miss their “baby,” but on the other hand they were free to come and go as they pleased; they only had themselves to take care of. They knew that I was ready to leave and had no desire to be home anymore. Just because I was ready, does not mean that others felt the same way. Layer said, “As the week to orientation came closer, I was freaking out and could not believe it was happening. This was a wonderful feeling and I was nervous all at once… The first week was overwhelming and I did not get the hang of all the homework and classes at first. I soon caught on to college life. It is a wonderful experience and changed who I am.”
We are the only ones that know how we feel, and should not be judged as a whole. I think that somewhere deep inside, we are all prepared. However, it is a matter of having the courage to pursue what needs to be done.
This generation may seem like it is not prepared for what is going on, but there are that select few that will be able to handle whatever comes their way. Sooner or later we have to grow up, it is just a matter of when we do. Ready or not, here we come.