For today's millennials, a college education comes at a higher price than it ever has before. Students today are sacrificing themselves to hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loan debt, four plus years of studying, and post-graduation job placement percentages that are lower than anyone would like to admit. In addition to the stresses of college coursework, a big concern for students lies in the idea of the future. Because after all of the studying and planning is over, what happens next? What if this laborious, expensive investment doesn't lead me to a career? What if I get a job in my field and realize that this isn't how I want to spend my working life? What if? What if? What if? We could do this for hours. But to all of the students who feel this way, you're not alone.

Remember that an education is never a bad investment.

Regardless of what happens after you are handed that diploma, know that receiving a solid, higher-level education is by far one of the greatest achievements that you have to offer in the world. It's no secret that college is difficult. So, the fact that you've made it out alive is praise-worthy enough. Knowledge can never be stolen or discredited from you, so treat it like the blessing that it is. So never, for one second, regret the money or time that you put into education.

Connections are literally everywhere and they are yours for the taking.

Do yourself a favor and get out there. Clubs, internships, organizations, and other on-campus opportunities will pay off in the long run. Making a small effort today towards your future endeavors could pay off big once graduation rolls around. You never know who you'll meet at a job fair or school-sponsored event. Anyone and anything can lead to a beneficial relationship when it comes time for job applications. By doing this, you have a greater chance of securing a job right out of college; a task that students often worry about the most.

Focus on the present, the future will come later on.

As current students, rigorous classes and outside obligations demand our immediate attention. If you stay on track with your work and hone-in on the here and now, you'll be that much more desirable to an employer. Constantly worrying about what happens next will not only stress you out even more, but you'll miss the important things about this exciting transition period in your life. This is your time to shine.

And finally, don't miss out on life because you're concerned with *what's next.*

John Lennon once said, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." With that, it's important not to let the anxiety of post-grad plans consume your college experience. Too much ambition can blind you to the people, experiences, and opportunities around you. College is a time of taking chances and creating stories that you can tell over a lifetime. Don't be afraid to let your hair down, do something spontaneous, and make real, lasting memories with the ones you love. The future can wait.

So what now?

All in all, today's colleges students are very aware of the uphill battle that is today's post-grad conditions. We are a generation of intelligent, realistic, and career-minded young adults who simply want our hard work to pay off and be recognized one day. What we want is a promise and a guarantee that we haven't been wasting our time and money. To the students who are afraid of life after a diploma, know that the world is yours. You will be recognized.