Ah, the holidays. 'Tis the season for large meals, cold weather, and awkward family dinners, where every single one of your relatives ask about your grades, your relationship status, and what your plans are post-graduation. As you all sit around the table, this question comes up somewhere between gossiping about the neighbors and trash-talking your ex.

"What are you doing after graduation?"

The room falls silent and everyone leans in and waits for your response as you try not to vomit up the turkey you just ate and an uncomfortable laugh escapes your throat while you stare intently at your shoes. You finally work up the courage to muster out a response.

"I don't really know yet."

Everyone finally exhales and at least one person comments that you must be lying. "You have to know. How could you not?"

Except, the thing is, I really don't know. None of us do. Here's the thing that no one seems to be able to grasp. It really isn't up to us. Not totally. Yes, I have a dream post-grad job. Yes, I know my top 3 grad schools I would like to attend.

But, it's still up to them to accept me.

I can't start making plans until I start getting acceptances...and rejections. Waiting to hear back about applications is torture in its worst form. It is a living hell. Having to recount each application to the people that you know over and over again is even worse.

Personally, I have to resist the urge to throw up every time someone asks me about my post-grad plans and I assume that most of my peers feel the same way. It is actually the worst thing ever.

Asking about my plans is bad enough, but then you also have to add your own commentary. "Have you considered going to *insert name of alma mater here* or *insert name of hometown university here* next year?" Everyone and their mother...and their hairdresser, dog walker, and car salesman asks this question. Even if said schools don't even have the program I want. The "nice weather" or "good atmosphere" is not enough.

The answer is probably "No, not at all. Not even for one second actually," or "LOL. Where?" but since I can't say that to your face, I just have to smile and nod. Smile and nod and stifle up a fake laugh that seems real and quickly change the subject.

No one has their post-grad plans mapped out by the time Thanksgiving roles around so just be patient and let us figure this part out on our own. This is what that whole growing up thing is all about.

Please do everyone a favor and talk about something else this Thanksgiving.