That time is almost upon us seniors, that time when we finally get to put on our caps and gowns and take that next step into the future. For some of us, this means finding a real job, figuring out benefits and 401(k)s and finally paying all of our own bills. For others, this may simply mean going on to the next level of schooling, whether it be grad school, law school, medical school, pharmacy school, etc. Then there is the group of us graduates who are planning on taking a year to travel or pursue other dreams. Regardless of our post-graduation plans, we can all relate to the following feelings about graduation (as told by the emotions from Inside Out).
The idea of graduation is pretty sad. Graduation signifies the for-real, final end of childhood, and for some of us, that can be quite emotional. It also means that we have to leave most of the friends we made in college which is the saddest thought of all.
Anger
Anger comes with a little more thought towards post-graduation plans. This is what you feel when you realize how little you’re prepared for the real world. You wonder “why the heck didn’t they offer a class on benefits, retirement, mortgages, etc.? How am I supposed to figure this out on my own?” which can make you get a little hot-headed.
Disgust
We all know those freshmen and sophomores who can’t stop complaining about how “hard” their classes are. Listen young people, tell me about hard when you are writing a thesis, doing an unpaid internship or performing hundreds of volunteer hours for your major, all with the cloud of leaving all of your friends and childhood behind. Once you think about that, see how much complaining you should actually be doing.
Fear
Fear is another emotion that comes out with a little deeper thought as well (at least for most people). This idea of “what am I going to do with my life after graduation?” or “am I actually going to be prepared for my career?” starts to consume your thoughts and can bring you down during what should be a happy time.
And finally, Joy!
Joy is the emotion that we all linger on when thinking of graduation. After 17 (or maybe more, no judgement) years, you are finally done with school. Unless you have grad school, of course, but it is easier to celebrate when thinking of all the sleepless nights, tests, papers and emotional crises that are now worth it when receiving your degree. Congrats to you!
