Sitting with Uncertainty: Reflections on My Final Semester Before Graduation
Written by: Fabbiha Shafiq, 4th Year, Faculty of Science, Double Major in Pathology and Pharmacology
Photo: Adobe Stock
As I step into my final semester before graduation, I find myself in a space that is both exhilarating and deeply unsettling. It’s a time filled with the promise of new beginnings and the weight of waiting. After years of hard work, late nights, and the relentless pursuit of academic and personal goals, I now face the uncomfortable uncertainty of not knowing what comes next. With each application, there’s restlessness and hope planted. Will I be accepted? What will my year look like? These questions have no immediate answers, and for the first time, I am learning to sit with that uncertainty.
The Fear of Failure and the Unknown
Fear has a way of creeping in when the path ahead is unclear. The possibility of rejection—of being told “no” can seem devastating, initially. There’s pressure to have everything figured out, to know exactly which direction life will take, whether for better or for worse. Yet, amidst it all, I am starting to realize that the worst-case scenario—taking a gap year if I get in nowhere—is not so bad after all.
Taking a break, especially after years of constant schooling and summers packed with work, courses, or standardized tests, does not equate to failure. It isn’t a step backward or a sign of inadequacy. If anything, it’s an opportunity to step off the treadmill of constant achievement, to breathe, and to rediscover what truly excites and motivates me.
The Case for Taking a Gap Year
In a culture that often glorifies overachievement and relentless forward momentum, the idea of taking a gap year can feel “taboo”. But it shouldn’t be. A gap year is not a concession—it’s a choice. It’s a necessary pause to prevent burnout and regain clarity. Admitting that you need a break doesn’t signify weakness; it demonstrates self-awareness and courage. The time can be used to explore passions, reflect on what you want to learn, and envision who you want to become five or ten years from now.
This period of self-discovery is invaluable. It allows you to step back and evaluate what truly matters, free from the pressures of academic performance and societal expectations. When we normalize taking a break, we give ourselves permission to grow at our own pace, to make thoughtful decisions about our future rather than rushing into something simply because it’s the “next step.”
Embracing Individual Timelines
The pressure to have your entire life figured out in your early twenties is immense, but it’s also unrealistic. Everyone’s journey is different, and there is no universal timeline for success. Some people will land jobs immediately after graduation, while others will pursue further education, travel, or start families. None of these choices are wrong; they are simply different. Comparing your path to others’ only leads to unnecessary stress and self-doubt.
Your twenties are a time of exploration and growth. It’s okay to take detours or change directions entirely. Life isn’t a race, and there’s no prize for finishing first. What matters most is that you’re making decisions that align with your values and aspirations, not someone else’s expectations.
Setting Productive Goals for a Gap Year
If a gap year becomes part of my journey, I’ve decided to approach it with purpose. This time can be an opportunity to:
1. Pursue Passion Projects: Whether it’s volunteering, learning a new skill, or working on a creative endeavor, a gap year can be a chance to explore interests that may have taken a backseat during school.
2. Gain Relevant Experience: Finding a job or internship in a field that aligns with my interests can provide valuable experience and clarity about my long-term career goals. Even if it’s not directly related to my career, any experience can be enriching.
3. Prepare for Future Applications: Without the added pressure of school, I could dedicate time to retaking standardized tests, refining applications, or even researching new programs that align better with my evolving goals.
4. Recharge and Reconnect: Burnout is real, and taking time to recharge is crucial. This could mean traveling, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply enjoying hobbies that bring joy and relaxation.
Finding Gratitude and Purpose
In the midst of uncertainty, it’s easy to focus on what’s missing or what could go wrong. But I’ve found that practicing gratitude helps ground me. I am grateful for the support of friends and family, for the opportunities I’ve had, and for the resilience I’ve built over the years.
This perspective shift has helped me appreciate the present moment rather than worrying about the future. It’s also helped me find purpose in the things I love, whether it’s spending time with the people who matter most, diving into a good book, or taking a walk to clear my mind.
The Freedom of Letting Go
Ultimately, I am learning to let go of the need to control every aspect of my future. It’s a liberating realization: not having everything figured out doesn’t mean I’m lost. It means I’m human. Life is a series of unknowns, and embracing that uncertainty opens the door to possibilities I might never have considered.
As I navigate this final semester, I am choosing to see the uncertainty not as a burden, but as an opportunity. An opportunity to grow, to learn, and to redefine what success means to me. Whether I’m accepted into my dream program, take a gap year, or find myself on an entirely unexpected path, I know that I am capable of adapting and thriving. And that may be the greatest lesson of all.
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