Dear graduates,
It’s finally the moment you have all been waiting for. For the the last (x) amount of years, you’ve worked so hard, made sacrifices, probably cried, wanted to give up at times, but then probably remembered why you began this messy college journey in the first place. It’s finally the time that you can end all of the doubtful thoughts of never being able to finish, or fears of letting anybody down. You did it…and for that, I’m proud of you.
Whether I know you or not, I truly am proud of you. I understand what it takes to grind through to graduating and although some may have it easier than others, there’s no denying the amount of stress and hard work that college gives to you and demands from you.
Not everyone has made it as far as you have. Some were less fortunate financially, some weren’t strong enough, and some lost sight of why they decided to go to college in the first place. But, not you. How amazing is that? Not too long ago, I was there too.
The moment you are feeling right now is simply….nostalgic. Bathe in it.
First thing’s first, think about every single person that helped get you here. Your family, friends, loved ones, and even those professors that you hated…have created you in a way. They pushed you, supported you, provided you with adversity and with opportunity. Thank those people, because the feeling that you’re feeling currently, is all because of them. The person that you are today, IS, because of them. Without the things that they have provided you, you would never have been able to develop who you are, a graduate and hopefully a good person. So, be sure to thank them.
Now what?
Maybe you know exactly what you’re going to do now. Perhaps…you’ve had a vision this whole time. But, I assure you, we all have visions, and those visions don’t always work out as planned. You are now about to face a major change in your life, unless you are continuing your education – then things won’t be so different. It might not seem so weird at the start, it will feel like any normal summer vacation. But come fall, reality will hit. The world will be asking what your next step is, so start planning.
Are you scared? I was. Are you afraid that you won’t meet the demands of whatever forces have driven you to this point? Your heart is filled with relief, while your mind is still buzzing with questions. I’ve been there.
I understand the high that you’re riding right now, and I truly know all of the thoughts that you may be experiencing currently. For that exact reason…please listen.
Don’t get comfortable. You have not reached the end yet, you have actually just begun the rest of your life. As kids we were raised being told that college was the answer to getting a job, but nobody really got into the details of that awkward grey area that existed between graduating and actually getting a job. It’s not easy and as always, it comes easier for some than it does to others. But, that’s just life.
Don’t get lazy. If you haven’t already, start applying for jobs. Start applying to as many jobs as possible. Don’t get too picky. If you don’t know what you want to do, it’s okay. There are many paths to discovering what you want to do with your life and I promise you, the first job you take will not set the pace for the rest of your life. Don’t be such a millennial. Be patient and press on. Hard work pays off and I’m sorry to say that your hard work is still needed.
Don’t be afraid to get denied. It hurts, it’s hard to take, but grow from it. Embrace failure and learn. Respond professionally and responsibly, you never know what doors this may open for you in the future. Push forward and don’t allow your self-confidence to become depleted. You spent thousands of dollars to learn what you know, so take pride in that. Keep pushing, someone will find you if you keep working hard.
Think about it…nobody wants a recent graduate that has zero experience, but many employers want what other employers have wanted before. That’s just how it works. We are all human and naturally we want the things that other people want or have. Even if it’s a job that you don’t want, but it’s your only option, then take it. Unless the pay is entirely insulting, then take it. The things you learn will weigh heavily towards your future and will benefit your situation.
You must start focusing on obtaining a job because, guess what? The clock is now ticking for when your first college loan payment hits your doorstep. So, be ready. You have six months before you receive a bill with your name on it (unless your parents are doing more than they should, you serve our country – thank you, or you earned a scholarship of some sort), so take accountability for YOUR education.
If you truly have no idea what you want to do and you have aspirations that don’t exist in the work-force, then consider them. Travel, explore, experiment, and grow. If you have remained mentally dormant during your college experience and are still yet to find yourself, then start finding yourself. If you have the resources, then just go for it. Because, no matter what job you acquire during that state of mental instability, you will suck…plain as day. You will take nothing away from that opportunity. So start thinking.
At the end of the day, you’ve graduated. Go off and celebrate. Have some fun with the people you love. But, your next step is now. Don’t get lost in your thoughts of excitement. Don’t get lost in your thoughts of fear. Embrace the oncoming change and opportunities that you are now responsible for providing yourself with. Do what you need to do to just take the next step into the world, during your journey of self discovery.
Nothing is perfect at first. Your future goals WILL NOT be met at first. You are a young 20-something year old with a ton of knowledge and spunk, which employers want. I promise you. Realize your major goals and continue to strive towards them by making day-to-day footsteps to set yourself up in the position to achieve them.
A wise man once told me that our largest goals exist at the peak of a mountain and everyone has to climb that mountain. While some may climb the mountain more quickly, everyone still has to climb the mountain. Don’t surpass the thousands of feet that exist between you and the peak. Embrace them all and climb them…one step at a time.
Congratulations graduates, you made it. As proud of you as I am, you must know that your dreams will most likely not come true anytime soon. I’m not telling you to give up, I’m telling you to press on and remain patient. Only then will you learn the essentials to what is needed to achieve your most desired dreams.
The grind isn’t over graduates…the journey continues.
Press on.
Sincerely,
Nathan Colpitts,
Publisher & Creator of: www.nathansmirror.com
