College is commonly known as “the best four years of your life,” and those years go by quickly.
The college environment is a handful of new experiences: new cities, new friends, new milestones, new goals. At UT, there is also the excitement of being at a big sports school.
Jennifer Lein is a senior majoring in management with a minor in event planning and design. Lein is a member of the Pride of the Southland Marching Band as well.
“I have loved performing every game day and getting to experience what it is like to be a part of the game day experience,” Lein said. “Sporting events here at UTK have played a major role in my life, and I am so thankful to have been a part of the game day experience during football, basketball, baseball and more.”
While so much can happen in four years, some seniors tend to leave with regrets. In a place where so much is happening all at once, it can be difficult to accomplish everything before graduation, like making the jump to study abroad or going all in on that summer internship.
“My biggest regret from my time in college is not going off campus and downtown to places like the Sunsphere or exploring downtown Knoxville more,” Lein said.
For many students like Lein, busy schedules and obligations can interfere with other interests.
Kennedy Steele is a recent graduate who majored in anthropology.
“My biggest regret is not making a conscious effort to make friends and not balancing my school and personal live, because it’s so easy to get burnt out like that,” Steele said. “I graduated early and was overworking myself as a means to accomplish that.”
Steele realized this after she graduated. She has since made her peace with it and her degree.
“Go out and do things,” Steele said. “Balance your work with your life, (and) don’t prioritize one over the other.”
Kevin Segovia is a senior at UT who agrees on the importance of balance. Segovia is double-majoring in neuroscience and Spanish.
“My college experience has been all about finding balance in all areas of my life and being okay being uncomfortable,” Segovia said. “Whether it was nights full of laughter or long days of classes, I have loved having a community to shape my experience.”
Even so, Segovia wishes he stepped out of his comfort zone more often socially.
“I felt very hesitant to put myself out there, and so I often said ‘no’ to opportunities, to things I should’ve said yes to,” Segovia said. “I always knew I lacked something but ignored it for a long time since I was fulfilled academically, making dean’s list every semester.”
College is a unique landscape to navigate. Segovia’s piece of advice is to think of yourself and not your parents’ discipline.
“College is a time to almost rebel and do things you wouldn’t on a regular basis,” Segovia said. “Yes academics is important, but don’t choose it over your own happiness and wellbeing.”
In short, “the best four years of your life,” go by pretty fast. It wasn’t that long ago that the class of 2026 was moving into their dorms, and now they are getting ready to accept their diplomas.
“Every stage of life comes with its own challenges, and nothing is ever going to be perfect,” Segovia said. “There will always be bumps in the road and that’s okay. At the end of the day, some things are truly never that serious.”
