<p>Hi everyone, this is my first year in college, however, I am a sophomore in terms of credits (thank you, AP classes!) I spoke with my advisor, and she said it is possible for me to graduate a full year early. My major is English Education--if I graduate early, I would have no space for minors or even one elective course, but if I stay for the entire four years, I can squeeze in some coursework in a foreign language, as well as a minor in anthropology like I always hoped to do. </p>
<p>I am considering an early graduation in part because of financial issues, but also because I just don't really enjoy college; I have found it thus far incredibly stressful. I have been taking the maximum number of credits as well as holding two jobs, which has led to many all-nighters. I've been averaging 3 hours of sleep each school night for the past month. I don't see how I can handle this for another three years, and cutting back in terms of responsibilities isn't really an option. I acknowledge that being an English teacher is far from stress-free, however, the teachers in my family have told me that college is much more demanding in terms of time than teaching (e.g. they can make time to get a full eight hours of sleep as teachers, but were rarely able to do this as college students). I haven't found myself enjoying the "college experience"--I really only have two close friends on campus, and they are busy like myself so we don't do a whole lot of socializing. In short, I don't feel like I'd be missing out on a whole lot by graduating a year early. There's the part of me that hopes next year, I'll suddenly start making a bunch of friends, but given that my schedule will be intensifying, I don't know if I can count on my social life improving. </p>
<p>I am definitely leaning toward graduating early, the only thing which is causing me to question this plan is that I won't be able to pursue a full range of coursework. For years, my dream was to get a doctorate in anthro and become a professor. Perhaps if I take some classes in anthro, this dream will be reawakened and my career trajectory will shift. I decided to become a teacher because, ultimately, I decided I didn't like the instability associated with being a social science professor (I can't see myself relocating to another portion of the country, and there are few jobs available as an anthro professor), however, I still wonder if I'd be missing out by going straight into English Ed without exploring other disciplines. It's been my dream for a long time to learn Korean, and if I stay for four years, I will be able to take several Korean classes. Then I think: "what if Korean turns out to be too difficult for me, and I do poorly?" If I stay all four years, I'd be taking a risk. I don't know for a fact that there'd be any value to me taking up anthropology and Korean.</p>
<p>Do you think that staying the extra year is worth the gamble? Did you/will you graduate early? Did you regret your decision?</p>