Finish in four or more, there’s no shame 

Ariana Rodriguez | Staff Writer

With graduation season coming to an end, it can be easy for undergraduates to begin worrying about when they’ll graduate. Despite what we’re told, there is no time limit to graduating. 

There is an unspoken pressure to graduate in four years or less which can be overwhelming for many. Our society often paints this timeframe as the ideal and only path, leaving many students feeling inadequate if they take longer to earn their degree. 

Whether it takes four, five or even six years to complete your degree, you’re not falling behind.

University life is a whirlwind of challenges, opportunities and personal growth. While some students seamlessly navigate their academic path and graduate within the traditional timeframe, others may encounter obstacles along the way. 

The struggles of being a college student isn’t restricted to the classroom. Financial dependency causes students to be limited to only a few classes a semester which causes delays in graduating “on time”. 

Another issue many students face, especially international students, is either being unqualified for FAFSA or earning little to no financial reward. 

Every student’s journey is unique and it shouldn’t be something we look past. Comparing your progress to your peers internalizes unnecessary stress and undermines our accomplishments. Comparison is the thief of joy.

Students’ worth is not defined by the number of years it takes to earn a degree. 

What truly matters is the knowledge you gain, the skills you develop and the experiences you accumulate throughout your academic tenure.

Taking longer to graduate doesn’t equate to failure or incompetence. It takes courage to persevere in the face of challenges and continue working towards your goals, even when the path seems daunting. 

Most importantly, university is not just about earning a degree; it’s about the transformative process of self-discovery and intellectual exploration. 

The extra time you spend utilizing resources can provide you with opportunities for deeper learning, meaningful connections with professors and peers and a chance to explore diverse interests and passions alongside networking for post-graduate life.

College is the time to network with other people in your field of study and take advantage of internship opportunities FIU provides. Graduation is the goal but not the end of our pursuit to our careers- especially not in this job market.

Alongside that, the notion that graduating early is inherently superior is flawed. While fast-tracking your degree may offer certain advantages like entering the workforce sooner or saving on tuition costs, it’s not the right choice for everyone. 

Rushing through your academic journey without taking the time to truly understand what you’re learning or explore different avenues will inevitably lead to a shallow learning experience.

It’s time to shift the narrative surrounding academic timelines and celebrate the diversity of paths taken by students. No matter how long it takes, what matters most is that you stay true to yourself and aspirations. Ultimately, our academic journey is not a race against the clock.

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.