Bust out of that final exam; the birds are chirping, the sun is blinding, the breeze whispers “summer,” and you finally feel without a care.
Well, that lasts for about 5 seconds because the future decides to trip you up; shoots down the birds; replaces the sunshine with rain and sends lethargic humidity to say “you aren’t ready.”
An inbox devoid of internship acceptances. A well-traveled resume who is now homeless.
A summer of no problems is replaced with the anxious thought-no plans.
Then, as if that thought wasn’t enough to steal your joy, the future extends to encompass more than your summer, but two years from now.
Yes, if you are like me, two years from now you will be graduating. After walking that stage, the real world awaits and from what I’ve heard, it can be unforgiving.
Are you preparing for grad school? Med school? Law school?
Are you planning a wedding? Are you buying a house? Are you relocating?
How’s your credit score? Your savings? Your student loans?
You know, just typical adult things.
I want to upchuck whenever someone says, “What’s your five-year plan?”
Five minutes seems do-able, but five years feels inconceivable.
At this half-way point, I know that I need to be considering my next step. I need to be pursuing what comes post-undergrad, but I haven’t decided exactly what that is yet.
Reader, you may not be halfway done. You might’ve only just begun. You might be staring down that cap and gown.
Wherever you find yourself now, I offer you an over-the-counter tranquilizer, courtesy of my Dad, Jim.
On a “hello, are you still alive” phone call, Jim began probing with some harmless questions.
Have I heard back from any internships? Have I pursued that networking opportunity? Have I considered working? Or taking classes?
Unsurprisingly, I spiraled.
I began venting my uncertainties about the next five years when all Jim wanted to discuss was the next three months.
Once I finished word-vomiting my worries, Jim said, “You don’t have to decide this today.”
Whoa. How simply put, but also, how desperately needed!
According to my usually future-focused Father, I can relax and mull it over.
Hopefully, his plain speech can also offer you some peace.
Despite the future’s imminence, do not let it waste the present...because, you know, it’s a gift.
"Don't worry about tomorrow because God is already there."