There is something that has been bothering me for the last few weeks. I graduated from high school four years ago this May, yet I will not be graduating from Ball State after this semester. Yes, I am one of those fifth-year seniors. But seeing as how I am not the first person to have ever been in this position and will certainly not be the last, perhaps the plight of the fifth year senior deserves some examination.
I know exactly how this happened. It wasn't a big surprise to me that I am not finished yet. I have taken only 12 or 15 credit hours several semesters. I have never taken summer classes, choosing to work instead. Finally, I changed my major at the end of my sophomore year, and as many other students can attest, this does nothing to help you graduate on time.
The last thing I want to do in this article is seem like I'm complaining. I really can't. I have had a wonderful experience at Ball State. I should be glad that I get to be here for one more semester. There is bitterness, though. There is a little dislike for those who are out of here in four years or even less. It's not their fault, but sometimes the biggest dislikes we have with other people are over completely ridiculous things that are not their fault.
I think part of this whole "fifth-year senior" issue can be traced back to one source: "Van Wilder." It is a film that is truly on the must-see list for college students. It is on that list along with "Animal House," "Harold and Kumar go to White Castle" and "Old School." Van, as most of you know, pulled an impressive seven years of college, and in a way showed us that it's OK to be a little bit afraid of the real world. The real world can be rather daunting. While none of us may have the same experience Van did, I think it can be assumed that all things considered, college is a great ride. It is a time where we make lifelong friends and truly discover what kind of people we really are.
Graduating next year also feels odd because in many ways I am just now getting the hang of this place. Ball State takes some getting used to for most, and just as I am getting comfortable here, somebody is tapping me on the shoulder and telling me I need to get off the ride soon.
So, to those seniors who are graduating this year, I say congratulations. I wish nothing but the best for you all. As for the rest of us, we'll stay here in the hallowed halls of Ball State University for a little while longer. The real world will be there for us soon enough. We will soon be looking at mortgages, pensions and dental insurance before we know it. The fifth-year seniors really should try and look at our upcoming time here as our last hurrah. I have one more semester to go down to the Village and put my feet up on a Friday afternoon with an ice-cold beer in one hand and the Daily News in the other.
So fifth-year seniors, relax. Life will be here soon enough.
Write to Alex at apcarroll@bsu.edu
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
