“Weren’t you supposed to graduate already?” This buzzing question never fails to leave my ear. People are embedded in the idea that college is strictly a four-year plan gig, but sometimes it is not. 

People take more years than that or fewer years or even take a break throughout their college career. Things happen in life, and they can impact your “planned” college career. That is okay. It is not a race to receive your degree at a specific time. The finish line will always be there. We need to normalize that.

If you feel like I am speaking to you directly, then I want to let you know. You are not alone. I am in the same shoes. I know how it can feel to beat yourself up for not graduating with the same freshman class you came into college. It is okay. 

Everything happens for a reason. Life is destined to happen in many miraculous ways; We will eventually know why towards the end of our journey, but first, we have to experience it.

Here’s a little taste of my college educational journey. It all started when I had a narrow mindset of what I wanted to major in, Animal Science. Essentially, I was firmly confident I wanted to become a veterinarian and had no backup plan for another career choice. I studied at UConn for a while until I discovered that I did not want to pursue that title anymore. 

After working in the field, I first observed and understood what duties a veterinarian has to do in their everyday work life. Instead of being with the patient most of the time, they are frequently diagnosing, on the phone with the pet’s owner about lab reports, writing up paperwork, and so much more. 

I could not visualize myself doing that for the rest of my career. During classes, I would be in a mind of my own researching more careers within the veterinary field that would suit me.

Long and behold, I came across Veterinary Technology as a career choice. After discovering my new career path, I knew I was in the wrong college. This led me to pack my bags and leave behind my family, friends, and hometown to attend Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY.

Sometimes it can be upsetting to not have your friends with you on your journey, but you always make new ones. Actually, better ones that you can see in your next chapter in life. It’s all part of the story, all part of the journey.

Trust me, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I knew it was part of the process. You learn a lot throughout your college journey, especially about yourself. Take it from me, I am still on the ride and still learning aspects of what makes up the person I am today. 

I never thought that transferring to Mercy College would lead me to break out of my shell. I used to be the student who never initiated a conversation with others, engage in class and extracurricular activities. Now, that has all changed. I learned that I am more than just a student, I am a leader. 

I never thought I could say this, but I serve as Vice President for The Rotaract Club at Mercy College. I am doing things out of my comfort zone, and I am proud of myself for that.

I did not give up on my education, and I am proud of myself for that.

I will become a Licensed Veterinary Technologist one day, and I will be proud of that.

I will accomplish my educational aspirations at my own pace, and I can finally say that I accept that. All in all, enjoy your educational journey. Don’t ever think time is ticking because at the end of the day you will get there. If Nola Ochs, the world’s oldest college graduate, accomplished her educational career at 95years-old, then so can you. Let that sink in.