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Final Year of University and Finding Way in Uncertainty


    As I reached my final year of university, I was hit with a wave of overwhelming emotions. Thesis deadline loomed large, and overthinking about the future became almost unavoidable. The pressure of choosing between starting a job, pursuing a master’s degree, or just figuring out life left me feeling lost. And on top of that, the reality of adulting, managing relationships, watching my parents age, and adjusting to new responsibilities, made everything seem unbearable.

    But here’s something I’ve realized, it’s perfectly okay to feel uncertain. What I was going through wasn't a sign of failure but a natural part of the transition. In fact, almost everyone I spoke to who had been through this understood those feelings of uncertainty all too well.

    When it came to writing my thesis, the task felt like a hopeless issue. From writing the research design to reviewing previous literature, the size of the task was overwhelming. Although I haven’t fully completed my thesis yet, one thing that really helped me going through my thesis writing design phase was breaking it down. Rather than viewing the thesis as one massive hurdle, I started to break it into smaller sections. I set specific, manageable goals for myself, like writing a certain number of pages or finishing a specific part of my research each week. This approach made the process less discouraging, and I found myself making more consistent progress.

    Seeking feedback early in the process also made a huge difference. I didn’t wait until I had a complete draft, instead, I shared my work with my advisor and peers as I went along. I even reached out to some of the seniors or our 'kating' whose feedback helped a lot to improve my writing. It’s amazing how a fresh perspective from different people can provide clarity when you feel stuck.

    Another challenge that hit me hard in this phase of life was the question: What comes after graduation? Should I jump into a job, pursue a master’s degree, or take some time off to figure things out? The uncertainty about my future career path weighed heavily on me. But I learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. Instead of rushing to make decisions, I started reflecting on what truly excites me. What aspects of my studies did I enjoy the most? What were my strengths? Asking these questions helped me focus on what I wanted to explore next, whether it was starting a career, continuing my studies, or even taking a break.

    One thing I found helpful was reaching out to alumni and professionals in my field. Their insights gave me a better understanding of the opportunities available, helping me make more informed decisions about the next steps.

    As graduation is fast approaching, I began to face the realities of adulting, managing finances, finding work-life balance that suits me in the future, and handling all sorts of new responsibilities. It was a lot to process, and there were times I felt completely overwhelmed. But I’ve learned that the key is to take things one step at a time. I started by setting small goals for myself. Whether it was budgeting for the first time or organizing my day-to-day tasks, these small steps helped me feel more in control. I also gave myself permission to make mistakes because, let’s face it, I did. And that’s okay, making mistakes is just part of the process of learning to find a way through adult life.

    As I transitioned into this new phase or should I say ‘right in the middle phase’ of life, my relationships with friends, family, and loved ones began to change. I found myself trying to balance the demands of my own life with maintaining these important relationships. What helped me I think, was open communication. I talked to the people close to me about what I was going through and asked for their understanding as I adjusted to the hurdle year of university. This was especially true with my parents. As they got older, I felt the need to balance my growing independence with being there for them. It was a tough shift, but honest conversations about our needs helped us find a way in this new dynamic, strengthening our relationship along the way.

    Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned is that uncertainty is just part of life, and it’s okay not to have all the answers. Like many students, I felt pressure to have my entire future figured out by graduation, but life rarely works that way. I realized that it’s okay to take my time, explore different options, and let my path unfold naturally.

    Rather than stressing about having everything mapped out, I’ve embraced the uncertainty. I’m giving myself the freedom to explore different options and trust that things will fall into place when the time is right. The final year of the university phase isn’t a race, and I’ve learned that everyone moves at their own pace. My career, personal growth, and future will all come together in time.

    Overthinking has been one of my biggest struggles in this final year. With so many big decisions on the horizon, it’s easy to get stuck in a loop of worrying. What has helped me manage overthinking is focusing on what I can control. When my mind starts racing, I make a list of my worries and separate them into things I can and can’t influence. Then, I try to focus my energy on the things I can take action on and let go of the rest. Mindfulness practices, like meditation and journaling, have also helped me quiet my thoughts. They give me space to step back, gain perspective, and approach my worries with a clearer mind.

    Well, for me, the final year of study has been one of the most challenging yet important moments in my life. The pressure of thesis writing, the uncertainty of the future, and the realities of adulting have weighed heavily on me, but I’ve learned that it’s okay to take things one step at a time. I’ve broken down tasks, embraced the unknown, and leaned on the people around me for support.

    Most importantly, I’ve learned that I don’t need to have all the answers right now. Life is a journey, and this is just one stage of it. I’m trusting the process, and I’m confident that everything will fall into place in its own time.

Content Writer : Rani Roanliq Lamahayu
Editor : Iman Amila Fitra



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