The three kinds of seniors
By Tara King
In life there are three distinct categories of people: the "Game-Planners," the "Floaters" and the "Flexibles." These three groups have distinct characteristics; no one group is more adept at dealing with life than another. They have all developed strategies for viewing the future that suit them most effectively. Each group can provide others with important insight into new ways of dealing with life.
Never ask a "Game-Planner" what they're doing over the weekend. If you do, you'll be bored while they detail their itinerary for the next 48 hours. These itineraries often start at ungodly hours, such as 8 a.m. on Saturday morning.
You know you are faced with a "Floater" when they tell you their weekend plan includes sleeping and "seeing what happens." These people are the spontaneous types. In your Monday morning class, the "Floater" will tell you he or she jumped in the car with some friends at midnight on Friday and somehow ended up in Malibu.
The "Flexibles" are people who have things pretty much in order. They are gifted with the ability to trust in the future and not obsess about things that don't go according to the plan. When asked about their weekend, they'll give a brief overview, but nothing specific.
These three types of people are most visible during spring quarter -- especially those who are seniors.
The "Game-Planners" have applied to graduate school. They either have decided where they are going or have a flow-chart with options based on differing variables. If not going to grad school, they will most likely work where they interned over the previous summer. If you know an unfortunate "Game-Planner" who has not yet found a job, the mere mention of graduation may result in a spectacle with hysterics and tears.
The "Floaters" have definitely not applied to grad school. They struggle to commit themselves to any post-graduation plans. The "Floaters" may have a job, perhaps one that conveniently fell into place, but when asked about it, the "Floaters" are neutral. They don't want to be tied down.
The "Flexibles" have perfected the talent of neither planning too much nor planning too little. Their flexibility enables them to change their goals when they become unrealistic or no longer desired. The "Flexibles" typically either have a job, are in the process of interviewing with several companies or are waiting to decide about grad school plans. Either way, they are relatively relaxed, knowing that "things will turn out for the best."
As it gets to the time of year for decisions to be made, it never hurts to evaluate the kind of decision-maker you are. I'm not advocating for anyone to be anything less than genuine, but it might help to learn from one of your "Game-Planner," "Floater" or "Flexible" friends.
Tara King is a senior political science major.