You did it, you graduated and got your diploma. Now what?

Has anyone ever told you exactly what happens after you graduate? We see all of these memes about how everyone hates "adulting" and that we shouldn't want to grow up, but why? Ever since I can remember, I've always wanted to grow up and do everything on my own. I was always in a hurry to grow up, but no one ever really told me what to expect. Just to clarify, it wasn't just for its perks, like drinking (which is cool) or being able to drive (which I still can't do). I've just always been taught that you have to work hard for the things that are yours, and that's what I wanted to do.

I recently graduated and am the first person in my family to go to college right after high school, and to go out of state at that. It was tough, but I got through it and started to contemplate a life in Pittsburgh (oh yeah, did I mention that I am from the Bronx?). Now, I had a big internal battle with myself on whether or not I was going to go back home after college or stick it out in Pittsburgh. Don't get me wrong, I love New York and would love to go back, but at the same time, that would be me staying in my comfort zone, and if there's anything that I learned from college, it's that staying in your comfort zone limits you.

So, I personally try to place myself in situations that would be deemed uncomfortable, but I never let it stay that way. I have been looking for jobs since February, and a lot of them wanted to interview me but wouldn't because they wanted me to have already graduated. This kept happening, so I waited a month or two to start applying again because by the time they contacted me, I would have already graduated. I decided to stay in Pittsburgh (I was getting more interviews in the 'Burgh and no one in NY was biting). I swear I have been on so many interviews that they don't even phase me anymore. You may be thinking, why is she telling me this? I tell you this because I was stuck in Pittsburgh, no family (although they are completely supportive), and no job. I finally have some positive things coming my way, along with some interesting opportunities.

So, here is some insight from a recent Alumna: the thing is this, you're going to get denied from some jobs, you're going to have to go to two or three interviews to get any kind of answer, but you have to remember to not give up.

Sure, that may seem like a no brainer, but honestly, you have to tell yourself this. If you don't encourage yourself or believe in yourself, you truly won't get anywhere because you start to be consumed by your self doubts. Apply, apply, apply. You don't have a job right now, so your 8-5 should be productive and focused on fixing up your LinkedIn, applying using Indeed or my personal favorite, ZipRecruiter (check it!). You're going to put yourself under a lot of stress, trust me, but try to remember that you aren't always going to have your dream job right off the bat.

Like Drake said, "Started from the bottom now we here." So take whatever job either fits your requirements, or has a fun environment. I put too much pressure on myself once I graduated that I had to find a job in my career and just become the CEO of something.

Basically, take a breath, dust yourself off. Don't be discouraged by not getting a job that matches your major exactly. You have to start somewhere and you could grow within whatever opportunity you get. I had myself worried sick because I felt like I was settling for just any job, but sometimes you have to start somewhere and you shouldn't discredit yourself.

You are all going to be okay, just be patient (I'm still working on this, too), and don't knock any position unless you've done some research or understand that you need to start somewhere else.

Oh, I forgot to mention something. While you're unemployed, be sure you use whatever money you have appropriately. That's something you definitely need to work on if you're hoping to establish yourself and live on your own.

Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

Don't feel like you're settling (unless you're getting paid less than what you desire or deserve).

There will be times you cry and feel like you're not going anywhere (trust me), and that's okay. Let those tears fall down and contact those who comfort your soul.

And never, never, never, never, ever give up.

And remember, you got this.