Metathesiophobia is the fear of change and the unknown. As I approach the end of my senior year, I have found myself in a constant state of metathesiophobia, especially when it comes to big changes.
A big cloud hovers over my head, filled with uncertainties of what lies ahead after college. I know I’m not alone, yet the fear lingers over me as time seems to pass by quickly as I approach graduation.
Change is a common thing, yet it always catches me by surprise. As if I’m asking myself, am I really ready for this next step in life?
Preparation is key, but how can we prepare for uncertain futures?
The answer: we can’t.
According to a post by the Strategic Consortium of Intelligence Professionals, “the brain is not a fixed organ (and) it reshapes itself constantly. When faced with novel situations, our cognitive flexibility allows us to assess, unlearn, and relearn — enabling growth and innovation.”
But sometimes, stability is how we know we are in control, and if it’s one thing that humans love, it’s control.
UO grad student Karlie Guilliot discussed her fear of change when she was an undergraduate.
“Change following undergrad can feel impossible. College creates a community bubble that feels impossible to leave. As a senior, the idea of going out into the ‘real world’ was both daunting and exhilarating, but even after gaining two degrees, I realized I was never taught how to exist outside of the liminal space of UO’s campus,” Guilliot said.
Although it feels like everyone goes through the same thing, there is still a lack of comfort on how to deal with such shifts in life. We are almost expected to dive headfirst into complete unknowns, making it almost impossible to be prepared for change.
“Without addressing the fear of change, I was left feeling stuck in what I thought the world would look like, and the reality I faced,” Guilliot said “It was when I realized that this change was unique, and a single idea or feeling wouldn’t define my experience. I started to be excited about heading into the unknown.”
This fear of unfamiliar territory is common, yet learning how to adapt and relearn how to take control of our lives is something that is useful to combat such uncertainties.
UO class of ‘25 alumni Daniel Allen discussed how he transitioned after the end of his undergraduate degree.
“I was fortunate enough to have connections for my current position as a graduate assistant at UNLV since I was in high school, so I was set in stone in that way. But I wish I had done a better job of balancing figuring out my future and spending time with people I would never see again,” Allen said.
I know for myself, it will take a while to feel like my future isn’t a ticking time bomb that is impending to blow up in my face. Especially with the little time I may have, I will spend it with people I’ve made valuable friendships with here at UO.
“I think you just got to pave your own way as best as you can and let the world do its thing,” Allen said.
I’d have to agree with Allen – having control of the future is impossible, but living in the moment is the thing we have most control over and worth trying to focus on rather than that fear of moving on.
