“Hi my name is X and I’m a [long pause] *insert class year here*”

Has anyone else noticed how most of the class doesn’t know their class year or at least doesn’t confidently say it? There is normally one of three options: the aforementioned long pause that is the hallmark of the first week of school introductions, the set-in-the-past “I’m going to be a …” or, finally, the right answer quickly followed by a “Wow, I can’t believe I’m a …”. I don’t remember this happening when we were in grade school, and I don’t see it happening when we age. So what potion of circumstances mix together to create the most awkward time of the year? 

It could be that we aren’t trying to rush through class years as much as we were before. While some may want to leave Bucknell, rarely is there a super strong motivation to be out in the real world. Going into high school seemed exciting and growing up we only ever heard good things about college being “the best years of your life.” We were full speed ahead to more fun, sprinting to call ourselves seniors in high school. But now it is hard to believe how fast time is flying towards having to live off campus, away from home and hunt for a job. It may still be exciting for some of us to get older and have more adult levels unlocked for drinking or renting a car (here comes 25!) so this phenomenon does not necessarily apply to age in the same way. 

It is not that we are scared of getting older, it is more an uncertainty of what this new class year brings. No longer can sophomores use the excuse of not knowing anything because they are a first year. Juniors cannot afford to live so fully in their social spheres anymore as there are constant reminders of the impending future around them. And seniors, well seniors know they will have to say goodbye to their time here, but what does that really mean? Something different for everyone. And that is the scariest part.

So it makes sense to pause and ponder our new situation as at Bucknell. Less grades above you to show you the way and plenty more below you that look up to you and your peers. It makes sense to hold on to the idea of “going to be a …” because the space between class years somehow feels safer. And of course we will be in awe of our new position on campus, but we have seen many class years do it before us and we will be able to do it too. So let’s push through these awkward silences and performative statements. It’s time to take our class year in stride and announce to the class proudly, “Hi my name is X and I’m a *insert class year here*”.