Graduating from college is a big ol’ mixed bag of emotions. You’ve spent the last four (or maybe five or six or seven–no judging!) years at a place you now call home. Now that you’re finally prepping for departure and going off into the real world, you may feel an onslaught of bittersweet feelings. And what better way to explain these feelings of graduating than by utilizing our favorite internet pop culture references, memes? Buckle up, team, let’s take a trip down meme-ory lane.
1. Stress
You’ve got finals and thesis presentations and banquets and papers and projects and figuring out grad school and moving and FINDING A JOB AND FIGURING OUT THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. No wonder you feel like confused Mr. Krabs! And on top of that, your sweet mother, unaware of your crisis, asks you, “Where would you like to go for dinner after graduation?” If you have to add one more thing on your schedule, you’re going to burst.
2. Senioritis
You have SO MUCH to do and SO LITTLE motivation. Much like this dog dressed up as a lobster, you’re just done. Over it. Checked out. Will you ever get out of bed and do six loads of laundry? Will your owner ever take you out of this lobster suit? Only time will tell.
3. Determination
You’ve finally caught your second wind! Aided by your trusty companion, caffeine, you’re ready to tackle that laundry, 3 group projects, thesis defenses and finals. You feel unstoppable; a true force to be reckoned with. Take the advice of this flying lawnmower and follow your dreams. You can do this!
4. Relief
HOO BOY GUESS WHO FINISHED THEIR LAST FINAL! You’re finally FREE from the pressures of school (unless you’re planning on furthering your education later — then take a break at least!). Bust a move like this classic screenshot of Marge Simpson. You deserve to let loose and relax
5. Sadness
Now that all that grunt work is out of the way, the crushing reality of your situation finally materializes. You’re done and leaving. No more grabbing dinner with friends at 8 p.m. at night. No more attending campus events. No more free rec center services. No more meetings with your favorite professors. You’re actually going to miss all of your classmates that are in your program with you. You’ve all grown so much ever since that first “Intro to___” class. Even the things you dreaded, like early morning classes or loud next-door neighbors, has you feeling nostalgic.
6. Pride!
VICTORY SCREECH. You graduated from college! This is such a major accomplishment that not all people get to achieve. You should take celebrate your successes–you survived four years of hardships, laughter, stress, late-nights, cramming for exams and leadership. I’m proud of you and you should be too! Now, go forth and conquer the world!