COLUMN: Having a quarter-life crisis
College is about learning who you are, what you believe and what you plan to do with the rest of your life. The troubles lie in which identity we hold that we put above the rest. I am a man, tall, skinny, an Aggie, a Spanish major, a journalist, Catholic, funny and outgoing. I am having a crisis.
I’m in my quarterlife crisis. My life is full of new responsibilities, significant decisions, loneliness, doubts, anxiety and confusion. I don’t know where I will go or what I will do after I graduate. I am an Aggie, but beyond that I’m lost.
The term “quarterlife crisis” was originally coined by Abby Wilner and Alexandra Robins. It is defined as “a period of anxiety, uncertainty and inner turmoil that often accompanies the transition into adulthood.”
How does this affect you? Statistically, according to Wilner, this phenomenon is affecting “the twentysomethings” because it is taking longer to become an adult based on traditional markers like financial independence and having a family.
That being said, in order for a twentysomething to become an adult they must be financially independent, have a career and a family. The culture in Cache Valley only adds to the aforementioned pressures of gaining these milestones of adulthood before the end of college as, according to a campus survey, close to 50 percent of USU graduates are married.
Taking a step back is important in gaining a more holistic perspective on the aforementioned issues. Financial independence from your parents/guardians is not always attainable before you receive your diploma. According to USA Today, the average college graduate has $19,000 in debt, but many attain more than $40,000 of debt to obtain their desired diploma. Is it worth it? Of course – education will only continue to increase in value in the economic downspin and as our country continues to develop on a global level.
Leaving college and knowing what you will do for the rest of your life is a rare occurrence these days. Often times, students stay in school because the impending graduation date furthers a wake-up call into real life. Although this may seem like a cop-out option, they are actually increasing their value to society.
I, for example, have decided to add an additional year to my undergraduate education because I want to take my time and enjoy myself before jumping into the harsh reality of adulthood. Sure, it’s not exciting to pay an extra year of tuition and tell my mom I’ll be graduating with my little brother, but it’s worth the time.
Our generation, as independent-minded as we are, seeks to compare themselves. We want to stand out but we measure our own worth with the girl in front of us or the guy two rows back. It’s not fair to yourself. Overcoming this quarterlife crisis is learning how to accept yourself for who you were made to be. That is what college is all about.
Jon Dalton is a junior majoring in public relations. Questions or comments can be sent to him at jon.dalton@aggiemail.usu.