First of all, congratulations. Whether it took you two years, four years, or more than that, you’ve made a big accomplishment. College is hard and drains every ounce of your well-being. But it all becomes worth it the moment you step into the auditorium, in an unflattering gown, and receive one of the most expensive papers of your life. It’s a big deal; never treat it like anything less.
Now here’s reality, bursting through your life like the Kool-Aid man. It’s kind of a slap in the face for some people. Gone are the days of picking your schedule and living the dorm room life. Now you have a resume to build, a job to find, and student loans knocking on your door. It’s a big world out there and will only continue to get bigger for you.
Some of you will have jobs ready and waiting when you graduate. Some of you will jump between jobs until you find “the one”. Some of you won’t even end up with a career in your field of study. If I had a dollar for every person who laughed when I told them I had a degree in psychology and now work at a bank, I could probably pay off a good chunk of that Bachelor’s degree. Sometimes you find a job in your field and sometimes you turn a “for now” job into a career. Life happens to all of us, there’s no shame in it.
I think the one of the biggest lessons to remember is this: never stop learning. Usually at some point in college, you’ll have to take classes that don’t especially interest you. That can change now. If you want to learn about the constellations, Newton’s Laws, or how to make the best margarita in existence, then you go, Glen Coco. College might be over, but the brain’s ability to learn is forever. You now have the option to learn about whatever your heart desires, and not get graded for it. Google it, watch a documentary, read a book, or find an expert. Our generation has access to so much information in so many forms. Don’t take it lightly; run with it.
It’s okay if you don’t have your whole life figured out the second your cap is in the air. It’s okay if you don’t have it figured out in the months or years to come. We put too much pressure on ourselves and let someone else’s success make us feel like we’re doing something wrong. We make ourselves crazy feeling like we should have it all figured out. This is the worst mindset to have. You’ll figure out life one awkward encounter at a time. For now, celebrate your own success, make your own goals, and clap for your own self. You’re doing just fine.
