I was doing some work with my degree audit today and playing around with my fall schedule. I discovered that, if I play my cards right, I could graduate a year early. I'm not sure how that happened with me transferring schools and majors and everything, but it works. I only need 7 more classes to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications. Maybe less if the Wheel of Fortune spins in my favor. I'm can be a very impatient person at times. I want to get started with my life, but I know it's got a number of drawbacks that come with it. Large number. I would like to graduate with my classmates that I graduated high school with, but I also now some people who are graduating when it would be early for me. Hopefully, I can argue with myself and have something good come out it for once. I will settle this the only way I know how. Two voices enter my head, one makes sense.
Voice #1: I feel like it would be impressive to graduate a year early. Makes me seem smart(er). I'd have my degree and could be out in the job market before I turn 21. I want a nice long career with plenty of room to grow professionally before I consider starting a family which will keep me tied down. I'm a minimalist, so mobility seems very doable. Is it getting my degree early or is it a fantasy of success? I want to move out to California and work in the movie industry as a writer/producer or something like that. Or move to Florida and work for Disney and work my way up through the system. Field experience versus classroom experience. Which one works in my favor?
Voice #2: I feel like I would be rushing into things. Sure it would be cool to graduate early, but is it advantageous or just kind of douchey? Am I screwing myself out of education and experience by rushing towards the finish line? Probably. I like the idea of having my youth, but I value the idea of preparation. Knowledge and time allow me to figure how to manage living on my own, as I still live with my parents because they don't hate me yet, and figure out a plan.
I was on schedule to graduate in Spring 2013 (if the world lasts long enough to see that semester). I think taking summer courses pushed me up by a semester or two. Maybe I'll just add a minor and take my time. It'd be time to graduate if I think about this any longer. I side with Voice #2.
Thank you, Voice #2.
Voice #2: I'm welcome.
i think i need to take some time off soon.
ReplyDeleteI think you'd have to weigh what you're giving up in each option. Sure you might be giving up the "youth" and fun part of being a college student, but also if you graduate early you could be employed (possibly) and working on your professional goals a year earlier than your current peer group, which wouldn't be bad, and it could cut down your student loans (if you happen to be paying for room and board etc).
ReplyDeleteHowever, if you were to graduate early and you took several classes at once you run the risk of buring yourself out and hurting your gpa, which could impact you if you plan to pursue graduate work.
So I've been no help. Good Luck.