It’s the second semester of senior year, and as many can relate, I am in the middle of trying to tackle my thesis while figuring out what I’m going to do with my life after I graduate. I am the type of person who tends to get really anxious when thinking about the future. But, I’m trying to change that and think about all of the positive things that lie ahead after I leave the place I’ve called home for the past four years. Actually, that’s kind of a lie. I haven’t been in the same place the last four years. I’ve been lucky enough to travel and call many cities home during my semesters abroad in Scotland, London and Sicily. Nonetheless, I am beginning to see that a new, exciting adventure lies ahead. I have to admit, I was pretty nervous going into my freshman year of college and didn't know what to expect spending my first semester in a foreign country. I feel very similarly about my post-graduation plans, or rather lack of any concrete plan.
I didn’t have any set plans when I first went abroad. I knew I wanted to see the world from a whole new perspective, meet new people and learn in a culturally diverse environment. Besides that, I was open to trying new things and taking risks. I think it is important to have this mindset as I prepare to experience yet another new way of living while begining my career. As I look for a job and maybe a new place to live, I have to remember overcoming obstacles along the way is all part of the experience and learning from mistakes or failure is not a bad thing.
While I’ll certainly miss spending hours of my time procrastinating class assignments and watching all 10 seasons of "Friends," I’m looking forward to making the most of my time after graduation and doing something I am passionate about, whatever that may be. Well, let’s just say, I have passions, but I am still figuring out how to channel those passions into a career that suits what I love and what I’m good at (the struggle we all face). But hey, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Ross, Joey and Phoebe were all able to find careers they loved. On second thought, maybe not Chandler. But, what was his job again, anyways?
I am OK with not completely having my life put together. I don’t have a concrete plan mapped out of what I am going to do in the future. I do have a map pinned with places I want to go and explore, but that’s a bit of a different story. My dream of being a world traveler has not yet been pushed to the side. I have many dreams and hope I can accomplish as many goals as possible, but life’s journey is not set in stone. I am more excited, now, for the unexpected adventure that is drawing nearer as I complete application after application and send out my resume to potential employers. All I can do is my best; I’m eager to see where that leads me.
