So you finally did it! After many years of putting up with your University's overly strict dorm rules, not-so-good cafeteria food, and a few boring, monotone professors that you had for three-hour long classes, the time finally came for you to walk across the stage and have your diploma handed to you. All those years of hard work have paid off and you are now officially a college graduate.

I went to my university's graduation ceremony this year to see many of my friends proudly walk across the stage. During and after their graduation ceremony, my emotions switched back and forth from happy to sad to anxious. I was proud of my friends and I was super happy to see them take the next step in their lives, but I became sad when I started to think about how much I'm going to miss them.

I have a whole year left before it's time for me to walk that stage and it's just not going to be the same without them. I then became anxious because it really sunk in that I actually have just one more year left before I graduate! I'm still not exactly sure how taxes work, so how am I going to be a proper adult in just 12 months? After a little freak-out session I had internally, I came back to reality and started thinking about all the great things my friends are going to do in the future.

For my friends and anyone who just graduated, do not panic about debt and student loans. It is possible that you just spent the last few weeks of school stressing out over finals, research papers, and projects. You don't need to continue stressing out right after graduating. This is the time for you to relax and celebrate your accomplishment. I know it's easier said than done and that I will probably not even follow my own advice when I graduate, but you deserve to take a breather. Just know that everything dealing with student debt will be taken care of. Everything will work out in your favor. It might be a little rough at first, but in the end, you will get everything that you work and have worked hard for.

Speaking of things getting a little rough, if something in your life becomes difficult, please do not immediately resort to giving up--continue to try your best at whatever it might be. Also, remember not to listen to anyone who discourages you from chasing after your dreams. You're going to have endless opportunities presented to you in the future, and if you want to take all of them, I say go for it! You succeeded at college and you can succeed at everything else you do. Good luck!