How To Make The Years Count: Constants and Variables

Does life begin after graduation?

Hello! Thank you for stopping by. Please read patiently because I do not want you to miss the entire point of this discourse.

The undergraduate phase is highly important and it’s best to get it right from the start, or better still, before graduation. The expectation for the undergraduate years to me seems to be spoken about more than the years. Preparations are made to be very successful in required exams, and only a ‘select few’ gain admission into the university. But, have you asked yourself how this phase aligns with your life ambitions? Or is it just a mindless phase that has to be compulsorily passed through? No matter your answer, this article will help you gain a clearer perspective of your undergraduate years.

The Realization

Realize that time is short 

Four, five, or six years always seem like a distant future in the first year, but an average student in the final year may wonder how time passed. Don’t be that undergraduate asking ‘Where did all the time go?’

Don’t start drafting a CV in your final year if you like corporate roles. Don’t wait till graduation before planning or starting a business or idea you are passionate about. Don’t wait till graduation before leveraging the diverse opportunities on social media.

Be that undergraduate that values time and makes wise use of it. Undergraduate years are short, but also sufficient to chart the course of your life. Every single day counts to make up a whole semester, then a session, then four or five sessions. Sessions are made of days and you need to spend each day wisely. Time is short, never waste it!

Realize that you have an advantage

There is already a perception about undergraduates that you can wisely employ and this is not a one-way traffic.

First, understand that you are permitted to make mistakes. You may not be expected to have full knowledge of a topic. You’re most likely going to be young (even if you are not, it’s totally fine), you’re still figuring what works and what doesn’t. So, if you do not get things right at first, you may not be badly criticized. After all, you are still an undergraduate.

Second, you would be appreciated for seemingly little things. I realized this when I took up my first internship in my third year, though I never carefully thought things through. While I was only trying to keep myself busy, I got applauded by senior officers of the firm for being so thoughtful. ‘Ah ah… Look at that!’ Statements around “If every student took their courses seriously, our universities will produce competent graduates.” Bear in mind that my course did not mandate an internship programme. I spent only four weeks, and you would have thought I spent three months.

So, what’s the point here?

People would celebrate and encourage you just because you are an undergraduate. A number of adults get impressed seeing undergraduates start up a business, write books, actively take up leadership roles, volunteer, undergo internships or do any creative stuff. Never be idle. Never be caught up in the web of unproductiveness while in school. If people find what you do, and realize you’re still in university, trust me, you have earned their attention, and if you don’t disappoint, they would trust you.

Lastly, people will listen to you. Adults in the professional world would want to hear you out. You have the responsibility to prove your smartness or just do the regular. Whenever you have a platform, speak up, ask questions, and handle tasks efficiently. Some have built lasting connections beyond the university just because they chose to act beyond the normal.

Have a plan

Can I be honest with you? I did not have a plan when I began. Things did not even make too much sense to me till my 3rd year, but it doesn’t have to be the same with you. No matter the year you are currently in, have a clear vision for your life. This vision should not only be career-related but also encapsulate other vital aspects of your life. It may be academic, financial, spiritual, social or however you may have it. Bear in mind that your undergraduate years should not only be devoted to your academics.

You should not live for the books alone because there are thousands of others that have the grades you have. What then will distinguish you?

What next after a plan? Or what if I already have one?

Now that you have envisioned the graduate you want to be, begin to identify the practical steps you need to take to actualize your vision. If the goal is a second class upper division, then be sure you are at least 60 per cent ready for an exam. This will be different for a person aiming for a first-class, which may be a 90 per cent readiness.

Attendance in class, tests, group work, assignments, impromptu tests would have been prepared for by such student. If the goal is to have built a network of professionals then be sure you need to volunteer at events and take leadership roles. All these do not happen in a day but require proper execution of plans.

Don't just envision life after graduation alone, start to live it today.

What if things do not go as planned?

Dear undergraduate, things will never go exactly as planned. That is why you should always make room for contingencies. The world is currently battling a pandemic and things may not remain the same afterwards, but what still makes the difference? You have a plan to fall back on and you have the chance to get more creative with your plans. Even when things go awry, there will definitely be a way to work around events and circumstances.

Understand the structure

I would like you to categorize every activity to constants and variables. A constant is necessary for the achievement of your goals while variables may not be linked to the achievement of your goals. A constant to a first-class student and a student running a business on each day may not be the same. Rightly apply the variables to your advantage. Constants may include classes, practicals, assignments, tests and exams. The good part is that you determine your variables. While an undergraduate, I did not attend all my faculty events and I’m certain I didn’t see up to 15 movies in five years because I considered them time-wasting. (I'm in no way condemning movie lovers here.) You don't have to do what I did but only understand the principle. Use your variables to your advantage.

You have a timetable. You have some free days or at the least a less hectic day. Just ask yourself, ‘How can I make the most of today?’ Not the semester, not the session, not the week, but every single day. Ensure your daily activities lead you to the achievement of your goals. Always ask why. 'Why am I doing this?' 'How does this make me a step nearer to my goals?' This is because time will go really fast and if you don’t take a step backwards to see if your actions align with your goals. You’ll live a monotonous life while in school - and this will never take you too far. Look, I have been there before, and I know how it is.

In conclusion, realize that life already has begun and you don't have to wait till graduation to make good sense out of the things you do. Also, daily choices culminate into whatever you will become upon graduation. Choose to tailor your daily actions to fit into your long term goals.

Action points:

•        Envision the life you desire post-graduation.
•       Write out the clear steps you need to take to realize that vision.
•       Identify the constants and variables and map out things you need to pay better attention to.

Please feel free to share this article with as many as would find it helpful.

Did you learn anything? Please let me know in the comments section.

Thank you for your time and see you next Wednesday!