For the last three years, I have always known what my schedule will be at least two semesters in advance. But, this year I cannot see anything past May 20.

On that day, I graduate. While there will be parties and celebrations, there is also a looming sense of fear about what will lie ahead for me.

Getting a bachelor’s degree has always been one of my most important life goals. I’ve worked solidly toward the finish line for the better part of the last 13 years.

But as the light at the end of the tunnel gets closer, my level of anxiety and fear is much higher than the sense of elation and accomplishment I thought I would feel.

The graduation blues is a fairly common phenomenon that happens for a variety of reasons.

Ju Hui Park, psychology professor, said anxiety is often tied to uncertainty.

“There’s a sense of loss when you’re achieving a huge goal. You’ve been working toward something for a long time and now it’s gone,” Park said.

Soniya Patidar, senior biology major, feels that sense of sadness that comes with the end of her undergraduate career.

“It’s hard to think about it ending. It becomes part of your life. I’m excited, but at the same time sad that it’s going to be over,” Patidar said.

Achieving such an enormous goal can also feel anticlimactic.

The buildup and anticipation of finally completing your goal can be much greater than the feeling of achievement you have when it actually comes, Park said.

Graduating from college forces a person to give up their identity as a student and move into a new identity as a non-student, Park said.

The anxiety of going into the workplace can be escalated by the uncertain economic and job environment the country is now facing.

Would the apprehension be reduced if graduating students have a defined path in front of them?

Poul Larsen, senior journalism major, said he feels some of the same anxiety about graduating, but he’s got the benefit of job security that makes the transition easier.

“You no longer have the structure of the semester and the revenue that comes with being a student,” Larsen said. “But I’m looking forward to being released from the confines of the university structure.”

Larsen said he’s kept the perspective of his career goals throughout his time at the university, understanding it’s about being prepared for whatever is next.

“It’s exciting, like getting a gift that I don’t know what it is,” Larsen said.

Patidar, on the other hand, believes it’s harder for a graduate who has chosen a specific field.

“If you choose a specific career path, such as dentistry, you are locked into that choice,” Patidar said. “Where, if you have a less-defined major you have many more options. If you have a less defined path the options are open, which I think alleviates some pressure.”

The workload of the final semester may also contribute to the graduation blues.

“The intensity and density of information are extreme,” Larsen said.

That workload, along with the unknown element of the post-graduation job hunt has got me almost paralyzed with anxiety.

However, there are things that can be done to help alleviate some of the stress.

You do want to think about what you’re going to do next, Park said, though you should work to stay focused on the day ahead of you.

“Stay as present as you can, because when it’s over you can’t go back and do it again,” Park said. “Keep yourself grounded so that you can enjoy the experience of your last semester.”

If the stress of the final semester is too much to bear alone, you should seek help from a counselor. The Health Center at the Well offers counseling services to students specifically to deal with this kind of issue.

“There’s a stigma attached to getting counseling,” Park said. “But, there are great people here on campus that work with students every day. There is no shame in asking for help.”

As the semester goes forward, I know some days will be easier than others and I will work to stay on top of my course load.

Hopefully the anxiety of going into the abyss of the post-graduation unknown will subside long enough to enjoy the ride.

Kelly Walters can be reached at [email protected].