Editor's note: All opinions, columns and letters reflect the views of the individual writer and not necessarily those of the IDS or its staffers.
It’s been four years since I accepted my letter to the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Four years ago, I was a bright-eyed high-school senior, eager to take on the corporate world, embrace a new environment at an out-of-state school and gain that sense of independence I had romanticized throughout my adolescent life.
As I reflect on this journey, I can’t help but laugh at the small “wish I’d known” moments that marked my college experience. For starters, I wish I had known not to take evening classes; as a dedicated morning person, those late-night sessions were not my friend.
My most productive hours are in the early morning and recognizing this has saved me from countless procrastination sessions and sleepless nights.
I also wish I had avoided certain professors and taken the bus instead of biking for twenty minutes to class in the rain. But more importantly, I wish I hadn’t taken myself too seriously in those early years. Letting academics rule my life led me to miss out on investing time in friendships, hobbies and achieving a healthy work-life balance.
If you can relate an unkind grind, trust you are capable of performing well while still carving out time for yourself. I learned this lesson the hard way, experiencing burnout far too quickly.
As I step back and reflect on my four years of college, I realize how much growth has transpired and how daunting the road ahead feels. Transitioning from high school to living independently has been a monumental shift. I’ve learned friendships evolve; those people you bonded with in your freshman year may not always remain in your life, which is okay. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire and challenge you to be better: quality over quantity truly matters.
Remember, you are your own person: You entered this school with unique goals. Focus on your journey and don’t compare your timeline to others. It’s entirely normal to feel like you’re running behind sometimes.
Graduation season brings with it a whirlwind of mixed emotions — excitement, fear and even imposter syndrome. If you’re feeling this way, know it’s perfectly healthy. Embrace the unknown that lies ahead after college. We’re not abandoning our ambitions or refusing to celebrate the achievements of others. We’ve learned to support our friends and rejoice in their milestones, whether that’s landing a new job, starting a relationship or discovering a new hobby that brings joy. Each of us is on our own path, and sometimes it just takes longer to reach our destination. Completing a rigorous degree, living independently and discovering who we want to be in a span of four years is no small feat.
When I reflect on my individual performance — setting aside group work dramas and part-time job commitments — I feel a sense of pride. Yes, I have regrets, but I’ve learned valuable lessons along the way too. I’m leaving this school knowing I wrote my own chapter, and I’m more confident now than I was before. The journey has already proven to be so much better than high school, filled with fewer regrets and less self-doubt.
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude. Thank you to everyone who helped make my four years in Bloomington some of the best and most visceral of my life. I appreciate your support, the lessons you’ve taught me and the experiences we’ve shared. For those still in school, I hope you look back on these years with fondness, nostalgia and pride for all you’ve accomplished. Always remember, it’s amazing to be a Hoosier.
Meghana Rachamadugu (she/her) is a senior studying marketing and business analytics while pursuing a minor in French.
