Should I be proud of myself for graduating from college?

[Anonymous]

I'm graduating in two weeks. I'm feeling pretty inadequate... I love my degree and I worked really hard, I did, but I'm not graduating with any honors and I didn't win any awards. It's not that I didn't try. I stayed in countless nights and studied. To graduate with honors you have to get at least a 3.5. Well, I'm pretty sure I have a 3.3 or 3.4.

I even went to an all girls college so that I could solely work on my studies.

I really did try... but right now, I can't help but think that I should just end it all. I'm getting a degree in nursing and I love the nursing field... I feel like I need to go to graduate school in order to prove I am worthy of living... that I'm not worthless to society.

Maybe I'm too hard on myself. I'm not sure. I feel awful right now. I just got my hood for my bachelor's of science degree... I should feel good, but I really feel like I accomplished nothing. I spent so many nights not sleeping, I almost committed suicide last year when I thought I was going to fail a class.

I got my first ever C+, my lowest grade. That hurt. Will I ever be of any worth to society? I'm literally sitting alone in one of my favorite study places crying because I feel so worthless.

Where did I go wrong?

[Anonymous]

Whoa...end it all? No! You've just done something amazing and you should be proud of it. You'll have a college degree that you SHOULD be proud of and no one can ever take that away from you. You should feel great about yourself right now.

I graduated with a degree but never got any awards or honors either. Your grades are better than mine were. I've gone on to be pretty successful IMO and have a good life. You will too! Your life is just beginning...seriously, the good stuff is yet to come.

As a nurse, you will NOT be worthless to society. Quite the contrary! Nurses are among the most important people in society. And for what it's worth, in my profession I work with a lot of nurses who have gone on to be very successful at executive levels in healthcare administration.

The only thing you have done wrong is to not give yourself enough credit. You've already done better than most. Pick yourself up, give yourself a pat on the back for what you've accomplished and start thinking about what a bright future you have ahead of you. You need a hug, and I would give you one if I could.

[Opinion Owner]

By the way, I worked my butt off in college too and went through a time when I felt the same way you do because I felt inadequate for not getting better grades even though I did my best. I've been in the workforce for about 20 years now and I've learned something about people, which is that those who do their best but don't end up with a 4.0 GPA are usually the more successful employees...

[Opinion Owner]

...because they WORK at it harder than those to whom it came easy. That's a fact that it took me a while to learn, but I've found it to be so true.

You're going to do great things.

[Asker]

Awwww thank you! That gives me so much hope!

[Asker]

So many people have said these are the best four years of your life... well if they are, why keep living my question? Everyone keeps saying congrats, welcome to the real world, it sucks, welcome to the depressing life. Idk. I'm just... afraid of it. I didn't get all the grades in college... and now I might do nothing with my life either :/ idk, lots of fears with graduation

[aMuse]

Grades aren't relevant once you've finished school. A 3.3 will get you into grad school if you plan to go, some professional schools (i.e. pharmacy school), or law school if you do well on your LSAT. So long as you weren't dreaming of becoming a medical doctor, I don't think you should let your grades bother you at all. Plenty of internships will take you on with that sort of GPA as well. As far as the feeling proud bit of graduation, well I don't know. I never thought of it as a big deal really. I don't even like graduation pageantry. I've had them mail me my degrees a few times and didn't show up for the ceremony. lol From my point of view I went to school to learn things I was interested in and to get the credentials to do things I want to do. So that process was enjoyable for me. Some people think of graduation as a milestone in life and they like to pat themselves on the back about it for a few months. There's nothing wrong with that either. What ever works for you. Feel how you want about it, you don't need to do what everyone else is doing just because they are.

[Asker]

Interesting. yeah. I guess I did see it as a milestone. I think I'll be fine. I'm doing a lot better now. My parents are still really excited despite the fact I didn't graduate with any honors lol

[aMuse]

=)

[FairAndBeautiful]

Yes you should. Can someone please help me out on this website Everytime I try to ask a question on here, it's keep rejecting my questions by saying "Question title is too short" and I always try to make sure my questions are never too long or too short but I still get the same results Everytime. Is it me or the website? So can someone please help me out here?

Any help is well appreciated. Thanks!

[Asker]

Aw thanks.

[Ambaspam]

A lot of people don't have the dedication to even stay in college and here you are about to graduate for your bachelors. Don't be so hard on yourself. I tried college, but dropped out and I regret it everyday. You should be very proud of yourself.

[Asker]

Thanks. My parents are still excited lol

[shadowarrior99]

You should be very, very proud! Stop being such a perfectionist: You can't be perfect, no one can. I understand you want to live with high standards and goals, but you need to REALIZE and take NOTE of your ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Not everyone can do what you did. For example, I love writing, but hate math. I couldn't earn a degree in anything that involves taking math classes. In the state I live, only 25% of high school students go to college, and even fewer actually graduate from college. People who go to college and graduate are exceptional. Be proud!

The underlying problem is that you're depressed, either from being overworked or something else. Talk to your school psychologist: It will help, I promise. This doesn't mean you need depression pills, but I sense that you are very depressed. Suicide is never the answer. Everyone is useful in their own way. You only lived for how many years, and have at least another 50 years to live life. Don't you want to see what's in those 50 years? Don't be depressed and try to find the meaning in your life.

Stay strong :)

[Asker]

Aw thanks! Yeah, idk, I think it's fine. I am a perfectionist... I think that's definitely a big part of it!

[shadowarrior99]

Well if you ever want to talk, just message me or friend me :) I'd be happy to talk with you. I understand what you're going through.

[Asker]

Aw thanks so much! I've really cheered up. I just put so much pressure on myself to be the best... someone the other day reminded me that there will always be someone better than you... so always strive to be better

[shadowarrior99]

Indeed. I'm writing a memoir and I'm trying my best to write it. It is a lot of pressure, but you can't let it destroy you.

[Asker]

I'm good... really... I'm actually excited now. All the awkward put me down but I am better.

[Blobb]

Aaaaaalmost got the honours :/ Maybe next time. You did graduate with a nice GPA though that's something.

I'd suggest you don't put all of your self worth into your academic performance :) Diversify a little and be less hard on yourself maybe?

You can be proud of graduating for sure :).

[drc930]

You have tons to be proud about! A C+ isn't really bad at all and from the sounds of it you worked really hard to get to this important milestone. I know a lot of people going into the nursing field - it is a great field to get into nowadays from what I hear. You've pulled through college which is something not all people can do - you have lots to look forward to!

[Asker]

thanks! yeah, I guess I was just feeling really disappointed in myself earlier. I'm much better now.

[Dylan1989]

Yes, you should be proud of yourself. Your lowest grade is a C+? Congratulations, most people struggle to keep up with that grade when they get to college. Some people don't even finish college because they find it too hard. But you're graduating in 2 weeks and it sounds like it's been a tough road to get there. So well done. You stuck at it and now you're being rewarded with a degree. Most people don't have the strength, determination or patience to finish off their degree.

[Asker]

Thanks. I guess I am just more caught up on the award stuff... probably shouldn't be.

[Anonymous]

You should be proud. It means that you're ready to face life now.

[Anonymous]

Seek council. You need to speak to a professional and work all this out. You should be proud but there is more going on here than just career futures.