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“How do I cope with the fear of aging and transition out of college?”

Dear Reader,

I whole-heartedly understand your anxieties around this new chapter in your life and promise you are not alone. It all comes down to this: Change is uncomfortable and terrifying, but necessary. You probably felt this way transitioning from high school to college, maybe also when moving from your hometown to Columbia. Similar events are about to happen in your life, but I think that a few years from now, you’ll look back fondly at your time spent at college and won’t feel the need to stay in that moment like you do now. We often feel dread when we reach these pivotal moments in our lives, because we feel content, comfortable or happy — which is a great thing. Despite this dread, we cannot stop the impending change.

Until this inevitable moment arrives, appreciate the time you have left before you graduate. Let those you will miss know how much they mean to you. Try to come up with a list of things you want to accomplish before and after graduation. First, make one for things you want to do at MU before you graduate. This bucket list could include seeing a show at the Missouri Theatre, having a picnic at Peace Park, putting your hand in the water at Devil’s Icebox or anything else you have neglected or want to do one last time at MU.

For your list looking forward, know that the future only brings endless opportunities. I’m not saying you should know where you’re going to be in five years. It can be simple things like visiting a destination you have always wanted to, cooking a new recipe or applying for jobs you wish to pursue. If you have no clue what you will do right out of college or are not even sure that you are going in the right direction, that is okay too. Just like you did while in college, you will learn and adapt as you go along.

Aging is nothing to be scared of. It simply means you have more experience, learned from mistakes or successes, and maybe also have a few more wrinkles or gray hairs. Use the time, friendships and lessons you have gained from your time at college to move on to the unknowns in your future. Not knowing what is heading your way next is scary, but can be even more thrilling.

Best of luck on your future endeavors,

Abigail Henshaw

Edited by Ever Cole, ecole@themaneater.com
Copy edited by Ashley Dickey and Lauren Courtney