It’s Halloween already. Every day blends together, and this semester is going faster with ample stress on our shoulders. It is going fast enough that we are already a quarter of the way through the academic year, with seniors’ uncertain future approaching. Many seniors are deciding (or have already decided) if they want to enter the industry, get a Masters, or get a Ph.D.
The thought of spending more time in a classroom with projects, exams, and/or homework makes me actively sick to my stomach. I’m tired of sitting in a classroom or lab bored out of my mind as some professors set unrealistic expectations that eventually have to become reality by the conclusion of the semester. This occurs every semester as teachers have a seemingly never-ending pile of work for students. It can be a stressful fight with time when we already have to deal with so much going on in our personal lives, as well as dedicating time to the obscene volume of work assigned.
On the other hand, if you were to spend more time in a classroom, you will have the opportunity to expand your education. This growth will result in a potential increase in starting salary or a higher position going out into the industry. Additionally, it helps bring respect to you as you have completed the highest possible form of education.
Now, what scares me more than spending more time in the classroom? Entering the industry. I have been a stressed, overworked, and decent student for almost 18 years. I have known nothing more than listening to various teachers,working on projects, exams, or homework from September to May. After I leave, I will have to cope with the lessening of workloads and managing my time.
In this case, I will have to deal with my own personal issues, such as taking care of my home and dealing with my time when I do not have to deal with homework. Many of us may be salivating at that experience, but many of us will have to find our way into a workplace, into the community, or into a friend group. We do not have to morph our friend group with the people that we conveniently have as classmates.
Furthermore, leaving the academic environment is something that we will all eventually have to do. We won’t have a college to escape back to when September comes around. This is something that drives me to work better with my personal life rather than solely “living” for school work.
In my opinion, it would be better to leave the classroom and continue your education away, while also working towards a Masters. The company may even pay for most of your education depending on who you work for. With a Stevens education, you have those points of contact that can help you make the right amount of money for yourself.
Before you leave Stevens, you need to find your identity outside of it. It may be difficult working through relationship issues, or not having ended up at the job or academia you wanted to be in. It will be scary either path you choose, whether to stay another year or enter into the workforce, but you (and only you) know your place in the world. We are all just getting older and one step closer to being completely responsible.
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