For those who are visiting my blog for the first time, I graduated college in December, and just received my long awaited diploma a few days ago. Holding my diploma was like the biggest sigh of relief in the world. I did it. I finished. And I’m done for good. It was so surreal to be looking at it, while thinking back to the days I literally hated my life, and would get in fights with my mom and dad because I wanted to drop out. My parents are successful, and were able to provide for my education, but both never went to college. Which also because back then, it was normal not to go. But their biggest dream was for me to graduate college, because I would be the first and only one in the family to do so.

College is different for everyone. Some like it, some love it, and some hate it. For me? I hated it. With a passion. In the beginning, I saw no light at the end of the tunnel, and I never envisioned myself obtaining a degree. I knew I was capable, but I had no drive in that direction. For the first few years, I just went through the motions. I didn’t care if I got a C. If I passed, then I passed, if I didn’t, then I was basically just like, “oh well, it’s not like I’m going to finish anytime soon.” I thought I was going to be stuck in college forever. Then something came over me one day, and I said to myself “Ok Hayley, what are you doing. Why are you prolonging this more than you need to. Just finish and get on with your life!” As many times as I told myself I would NEVER take Summer school, I ended up taking it. Three classes one Summer, and two more classes the next Summer. As well as two classes during intersession (winter break.) It sucked, but I was so determined to finish on time. I even took classes through a different school online, just so I could get more classes over with. Seriously, my parents were shocked, they had never seen me so focused on school before, and neither had I. It scared me lol.

So instead of finishing in 6 years like I once thought, I somehow managed to finish in 4 1/2. And honestly, I’ve never been happier with the decision to finish. It feels great to tell people I’m a college graduate. I look forward everyday to one day being able to work in the field I studied, but if my parents weren’t there to push me to keep going, who knows if I would have even finished.

To anyone who is currently a college student that may be having thoughts about quitting…. Or to anyone who will be beginning college in the Fall that may not like it when the start… my advice to you is to just push yourself through it and finish. The homework, the studying, the exams… it all sucks for everyone. But the day you finish is going to be one of the most exciting days, and you’ll thank yourself at the end of it. So don’t give up on yourself. If I didn’t finish, I would never in a million years be able to work towards being a news anchor one day. There is no way in hell a company like ABC or E Channel would even consider me if I didn’t have a degree. By staying in school, I’ve had to opportunity to write for a magazine, and had my writing published in one of their issues. And I’ve been able to intern for a radio station and had the chance to be interviewed on air. Those are things I never would have been able to do if I wasn’t in school at the time. And to think I wanted to quit? I want to go back in time and slap my 18/19 year old self in the face.

In order to do the things you want to do in life, you have to work your butt of to get there. Do what you need to do to get to where you want to be. Notice I said NEED to do, not WANT to do. College may not be what you want to do, but if your career path requires a degree, then college is what you need.

My boyfriend, Cody, graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering, and now he’s a full time engineer, working at Northrop Grumman, the company that built the B2 Bomber. I don’t know how many times I heard him say how miserable he was while he was in school… but look where he is now!

And of course, there are some career paths that may not require someone to be a college graduate, so in no way am I saying everyone needs to go to college… but if you’re there right now, or if you are beginning soon, my best advice to you is to FINISH.