Picture this: it’s 6 am, that blaring alarm beep goes off for the last time. Today is graduation day. After a long 13 years years you’re finally done. Except you’re not. Now you have four years in college to look forward to. Look forward to? What’s there to look forward to? It just seems like another four years of sitting in a classroom, taking notes and doing homework.
So, you start college and enjoy it, you meet a lot of new people, learn a lot of new things and time flies. You learn to love it and learn that it is more than just homework and notes. Now, you have three weeks left. Whats next? 17 years spent in school to get a piece of paper. In reality it is not just a piece of paper. This paper opens door after door for you. It is a symbol of all of the long hours and hard work you’ve put in. You are now able to say “I did it.”
What are you supposed to do when you’re done? Do you need to jump right into a career? Travel? Take a break? There is no right answer, do whatever you feel you need to do. There is no set timeline as to where you’re “supposed” to be. Graduation can be so rewarding but yet so stressful. I reached out to some former college graduates for some advice to help with the stress and this is what they said:
“Things will happen at their own pace. The opportunities meant for you wont pass you! And if an opportunity comes up you don’t feel ready for, that opportunity wouldn’t be in front of you if you weren’t ready,” said Tiana Lang.
“In my experience even though you feel like you don’t know what you are doing, when the time comes to need to know it, it will all come to you,” said Hayley Taylor.
“You won’t ever know the outcome unless you try. Always go for what you feel you deserve. The worst someone could say is no. All it takes is one yes,” said Angelica Mantey.
“Don’t stay stuck at a job you end up hating just because at one point you thought it was your dream job. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to do it anymore. Your dream job may change more than once an that’s okay. And don’t ever take advice from someone who benefits from you staying where you are if you’re unhappy,” said Ashley Akin.
“The very thing they’re putting you down for, is the very thing you should be doing,” said Lacey Oltman.
“Get out of your comfort zone and do things that scare you. Most often the scary steps are the best ones to take. Apple for all of the jobs – even if you’re under qualified, even if its something you’ve never done before. If you’re interested in it just apply because I promise you there’s ten other people that aren’t qualified either who are applying. Your personality might just outshine the rest and every job is trainable. Being friendly and like-able is key. Market yourself wisely. Carry yourself well and are new friends everywhere you go. Connections will get you further in life than education, experience, or skill ever will,” said Taylor Hall.
So with all of this I say put yourself out there and don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Life will look different but then you will find where you’re comfortable. Keep pushing, you’re almost there!