Not Going Back to Hogwarts

Graduation is a daunting task that for even a 21-year-old can haunt the mind for days, weeks, and maybe months or years. I find it difficult to imagine how at the age of 17, the young witches and wizards of Hogwarts could comprehend their own departure from school.

It’s been two years since I graduated from college, and I still believe it happened last week. Naturally, everyone copes and handles such an adjustment in their own way, with some even itching to say farewell.

Sometimes I feel foolish feeling remorse that I’m not returning to school since my life has progressed in more ways than once since then. However, something changes once you walk across that stage, and it’s never the same. For me, it’s knowing I’ll never live as close to my friends as I once did ever again. For others, it’s the uncertainty of the future, and for some, it’s the feeling of being unable to return home. When I begin to miss school, I envision that it’s how Harry felt during the summer months at Privet Drive, anxiously awaiting his return to Hogwarts.

I reached out to my fellow staff members to reflect on their feelings about leaving school and found that everyone truly does manage in their own way.

I’m going into my final year of university, and I’m both nervous and sad. Nervous because I don’t know where I’ll be this time next year or what I’ll be doing. Sad because, regardless of what happens, I’ll be leaving a lot of my friends.”- Minal

I’m going into my last year of college, so I have very mixed feelings right now. Mainly dread about not being in school after this year and I am kind of excited for some of the classes I get to take this year because they’re only for seniors.” – Krista

About to move back for my last year of college, and after getting a taste of post-grad life this summer, I know the hardest part will be losing the friends & community I made here. I definitely see why Hermione was so adamant on going back for her last year – it’s not just about getting a job after college, it’s about the experience and opportunities that community offers!” – Tabitha

I graduated in May, and I am having a rough time mainly because I live in a college town and it is the college I didn’t even go to. I walk down the aisles of Target, and I see people pushing carts piled high with college dorm stuff, and I think, ‘Man! I am so glad I don’t have to move in somewhere again or take classes.’ But at the same time, I know I will never again be within walking distance of all of my friends, and that just depresses me.” – Cheyenne

I would imagine that my feelings about being done with college are tantamount to Fred and George Weasley’s [à] la book five.” – Taylor

I just miss all the excitement and variety of college life, along with belonging to groups of people with whom you have something in common: a cappella concerts, lectures, club meetings, cultural events, film screenings… If you’re not going back to Hogwarts, you have to make your own Hogwarts somehow. Whatever you loved about school, find it out in the real world.” – Felicia

And then, there are some who are bringing Hogwarts into their own classroom this year.

I’m starting my first year of teaching, and it’s been slightly terrifying. Going to school was so easy; I knew what to expect. And now I have a bunch of twelve-year-olds staring back at me, expecting me to teach them everything they need to know. I honestly don’t know how Lupin, Moody, Lockhart, and other DADA teachers just jumped right in and taught!” – Alison

But remember, no matter what, Hogwarts, just like your university, will always be there to welcome you home. The memories from the number of years spent at school will stay with you forever.

So try not to be sad this year and let us help remind you with some words of encouragement.

The friends I made in college are friends I’ll keep forever, no matter how far apart we are.” – Beth

I’m already known as ‘the Harry Potter teacher,’ and multiple kids have told me how cool they think my room is – hopefully it’ll make me into a Lupin!” – Alison

Are you going into your last year, or is this your first year not going back to school? Let us know your thoughts below.