GRADUATING from college serves as the pinnacle of a student’s academic journey. It marks the conclusion of all their scholastic endeavors—unless, of course, they pursue a master’s degree in a particular field of expertise.

It’s closely similar to how triathletes cross the finish line after swimming, cycling, and running in their almost 90-minute triathlon attempt. It’s ultimately quick, but arduous, nonetheless.

However, despite the end of it all, there’ll be plenty of bardagulan moments and chikahan sessions you’ll surely miss once you start working full-time as an adult. For some, there’ll be several previous decisions you’ll often ponder on just right before you take your nightly visit to dreamland.

Now, before you officially say goodbye to your university years and embrace the world of nine-to-five jobs, board first the cruise ship towards the sea of regrets and nostalgia.

Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve

Regret is an ordinary emotion, everyone feels it at some point in their lives. This is especially true to graduates and graduating students who’ll soon join the country’s workforce.

Regret comes in diverse forms. It’s something that you would’ve done, but you couldn’t; something that you could’ve done, but you were simply too afraid to do so; or something you should’ve done, but it wasn’t destined for you to happen.

For Rafael “Raf” Santiago, it was his indifference to applying for some of his alma mater’s university-wide organizations.

“I always thought that it was just a waste of time, and I wouldn’t really grow in that kind of environment. It was [already] late when I realized that it could help me excel [in] my interpersonal communication skills that I currently lack,” confessed Raf.

While it’s crucial to remain on top of your studies, participating in organizations you take special interest in doesn’t do you much harm. One key advantage of becoming a member of school organizations is the unique relationships and connections you’ll make along the way. You’ll learn to cherish this once you become a professional due to the large social network it brings.

Also take into consideration the temporary relief you’ll get, away from your academic workload, as it’ll give you a chance to manage fun projects and events. After all, studying shouldn’t all be too stressful, it could be enjoyable as well.

In another life

While for most adults, their greatest regret after graduation involved their academics, some were left to deal with grief and despair at such an early stage of their lives.

“I wish I took care of myself better back then because it would’ve made me a better student and a better individual overall,” said graduating student Elijah Espiritu.

There are plenty of deciding factors that affect one’s academic performance. Although the majority of it is within the student’s responsibility, a huge portion of it remains outside of their control.

That’s why, it’s important to have a holistic self-care regimen you can lean on, whenever school life gets too much to handle. In this way, you don’t have to lose your sense of self in exchange for academic validation.

However, there will be times when life throws a seemingly insurmountable challenge towards your way. It may look like all hope’s lost, but eventually, you’ll pull through it.

Reiniere Santiago shared that one thing he wishes he did back in college was to study without having to deal with the heartbreak that came with the sudden passing of his father.

“I had chosen a course in Hotel and Restaurant Management – Culinary Arts, a field that truly ignites my passion. However, after my father’s untimely passing, life took an unexpected turn, and I had to step up to support my family,” he said.

In trying times such as these, it may seem futile to continue moving forward, but there’s strength in grief, in which you could draw from to fight for another day.

Reiniere found a job as a Marketing Associate after graduating. This provided his family with numerous benefits to rely on and has helped them live a comfortable life.

“Despite this, I still long for the opportunity to have experienced college life with a bit more carelessness, like a normal student,” he concluded.

Taking a trip down memory lane

There’s more to college than the stressful days and the sleepless nights. It frequently involves enjoyment that you typically share among your friends and classmates. It’s one of the things you’ll look back on, once you start recounting your younger years to your children.

“One thing that I miss the most when I was a student [is] establishing relationships that you could also consider as family,” told Raf.

He went on, “… life after college sucks. We’ll all have different lives that will keep us busy, and hinder us from spending quality time with [our] friends. So, enjoy [it] while it lasts.”

Life after graduation requires independence and lacks certainty. There’ll be moments when we’re unsure of what happens next, so it’s best to make the most out of our college life before we say goodbye to it.

“I miss the unwavering support of my father, knowing I could always rely on him when life became challenging. Most of all, I miss the privilege of enjoying my college days with a bit of carelessness, savoring the freedom and experiences that come with being a student,” expressed Reiniere.

Elijah added, “What I [will] miss the most is the certainty of school, the daily routine of waking up, attending classes, and doing homework. Now that my education [will end], the future has become more uncertain.”

And, so it will be. Thus, we should strive to graduate with no regrets and with fond memories to remember for a lifetime.

With reports from Aaron Jon S. Bernardino