Final Year Shows, Grows, and Woes is a series of articles aimed at helping students make the most of their last year at post-secondary.
Your final year in university or college can be a complicated mix of emotions and experiences. You're so close to the finish line, but that also means you're inching closer to having to face that shadowy realm known as the real world.
But hang on. You still have this year for exploration, to take up hobbies or an interest you may have been thinking about since first year. This doesn't have to be the beginning of the end; it can be a head start into your life as a new graduate.
In your final year, what you might want to do is commit to trying one new thing per term, says Madelyn Steed, a learning strategist at Ryerson University's Ted Rogers School of Management. For me, a well-rounded education, which means stepping outside of the classroom, produces well-rounded individuals that are quick to take on the world and succeed in life post-graduation.
This is the time to start thinking about what you want to do after school. It may seem obvious, but many students (I'm looking at you Procrastinating Patty) choose to stick their heads in the sand, often to their own detriment. Is there a certain field you're drawn towards? An area you'd like to know more about? Now is the time to make your move. 
One place to stop is your career centre, explains Steed. All the centres are well-equipped to support students as they transition into the work world or as they further their post-secondary education. They offer assessments to help you tap into what might be your next step and you can meet with professionals that can help you create a plan for life after graduation.
Most schools offer on campus career counseling services to help you find your path. There are also graduate school information sessions, like the one offered by the University of British Columbia that cover topics like degree programs, admissions, tuition costs, international studies, and graduate student research.
Many students can still tap into the career resource centre after graduation as an alumni, says Steed, adding if they don't take advantage of the centre right away, there's still time to get connected with them post-graduation.
There are also many online opportunities to learn more about different career paths, or to even take a year off and grow through working and travelling abroad. Also an advisor with My Gap Year, a company designed to help people plan a personalized year abroad, Steed says that graduation is a great time to give yourself an opportunity to make sense of your experiences in university or college and to gain some clarity.
Another great way to expand your knowledge and sense of self is by joining clubs or activities that you haven't previously tried. Just because you're in your last year doesn't mean it's too late to start. They can also be great avenues for meeting new people and expanding your network before graduation.
Organizations like the Food Science Club at the University of Guelph and Jump Eco at the University of Calgary offer ways to learn more about industrial sectors while also becoming involved in the community. Take a look at your school's website to keep your eyes peeled for posted information sessions regarding school activities and unions.
Class sizes tend to become smaller in the upper year levels. Take advantage of the opportunity to make connections with your professors and instructors; they could come in handy as references and for guidance. Most graduate school applications require at least one reference and having the support of an instructor can be very beneficial.
[Your final year] is a pivotal year for connecting with professors or instructors, says Steed. There are a few steps you can take to start building a relationship with a professor Start sitting at the front of the classroom, be prepared for class, and engage in conversation despite the fact that there may be participating marks. Other tips include introducing yourself to your professor during office hours to ensure that you have their attention and showing interest in their research or published works. There may even be research opportunities to work with them and get paid. Steed also recommends avoiding websites that rate professors as they can unfairly sway your decisions, and actually be a disadvantage.
 It's important to take the time to reflect on your growth from your first to final year. Whether or not you realize it, you've spent four years learning not only about academics or the trades, but yourself too. Independence, personal preference, and a sense of yourself are all important qualities that have been developed throughout your post-secondary career.
 It's also common to change and grow apart from those you once considered good friends, especially if you live away from home. Identify the people you wish to remain close with, and make sure to incorporate time with them into your schedule. If you've been able to remain friends up until this point, you'll likely be able to grow as individuals while still remaining close for years to come.
In thinking about post-graduation life, there are three ways to think about this piece: The change [final year students] experienced, the growth they've experienced, and the development they've experienced, says Steed. These aspects can be crucial to selecting a career path that will not only suit but satisfy your future goals.  
As much as university and college are about learning, they're also largely about growth. Transitioning from adolescence to young adulthood is not easy, but it's a necessary component of developing into the person you are meant to be. If you don't know yourself, how can you know where you're headed?
Or, in the wise words of Benjamin Franklin: Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.