Dear Graduate,

Congratulations! Things are so exciting right now. You've done it, school is over. Maybe it's a relief, maybe it's a little scary, maybe it's both; bittersweet. Today is the party and things are really, truly exciting. You stand on the edge of your future. This is what you've been waiting for. You have plans, but haven't fully started on the journey yet; the day-by-day, nitty-gritty of working on your dreams. This is a wonderful place; anticipation is good for the soul. It fuels our inspiration, it helps us dream bigger and hope for the best.

But what about when the party ends? When all the excitement starts to fade and the reality of adult life sinks in. When you go to do the work that leads to your dreams; the little steps, the less-celebrated, the trials and setbacks, the disappointment and hard work.

Just like with any "mountain top" experience, when you were just on the top of the world, there is usually a valley that follows. I don't say this to discourage you, or to dissuade you from doing big things; rather I say this to tell you to press on, to persevere, to never lose hope. It's okay. You'll make it.

It's okay if your dreams don't unfold exactly the way you thought they would. It's okay if your dreams don't unfold the ways others think they should or unfold the way theirs do. It's okay to change your mind about what you want. It's okay to not know. It's okay to not have it figured out right now. Or later. It's okay to have failures and setbacks as a part of success. It's okay to make mistakes and learn from them. It's okay to give yourself extra grace. It's okay to say no. It's okay to set boundaries. It's okay to think about things and not rush decisions. It's okay to question your dreams and doubt yourself - just don't get consumed by it.

The reality is that we have created a society of young people who feel the intense pressure to have it all figured out right now. Whether it's what college to apply to, or what job to land, or who to marry, or where to live, you must know by age 18 or 21. But that's not how life works. Life is a continual process of discovery, of adaptation and of changes. Dreams change, life circumstances change, people change and it's okay! Keep pursuing what inspires you, work hard at whatever you are currently doing, make good friends and take care of yourself; this advice is so basic and simple but you will find more success in these avenues then choosing the "perfect" graduate school or the "perfect" career. Because the entire ideal of perfection is a lie that will disillusion and upset you; there is no such thing as perfection, so stop chasing it. Imperfection is what makes life beautiful, what gives you stories to remember when you're old, what shapes your character and intensifies your passions.

So celebrate today and roll up your sleeves tomorrow. You can do this. I believe in you.