So you finally made it! You have went through college for four (or five ... or six) years and you are about to have that degree. You studied hard in high school to get in the college of your dreams and it worked. You made it to college and stayed in several nights so you could study and get through the class with the “teacher that had it out for you.” You spent way too many hours in the library or workshop or study group so you could perfect that project. You considered dropping out on the daily. You were boarder line miserable, but you know your stuff and you are about to graduate with a degree that you are proud of. Now the biggest question of your life is "What Now?"

The first thing to remember is that it is okay to be scared. I am coming up on the last three semesters of my undergrad career and I have yet to definitely know what I am supposed to do. I pray about it all the time, but it still makes me shake knowing that I will truly be an adult in just a short time. I will be on my own, working for a company who is counting on me to make them better than they were. I want to say that I know it all, but I don’t, and that is okay. With the help of family and friends, I will get it all figured out. Remember, you are right where you are supposed to be, it just might seem scary at the time.

The next thing to keep in mind is to always try to do what makes you happy. Now I know that the first thing that we do may not be the most fun job in the world. Unless you are Mark Zuckerberg, you probably will not start out doing what you love on the highest level. Just make it a point to always try to find something about the job that you love and makes you proud. If you want to build rockets, but are stuck being the gopher (“go get this” … ” go get that”), do the best you can. You will get there. It just might not be as quickly as you want it.

Another thing to remember is always aim for greatness. I feel like the most successful people on this planet are the ones who are always pushing themselves. When we start to reach our goals, it is super easy to get comfortable. We stop trying to learn. Always remember that first job you had and where you have come since then. Always remember the fear and excitement you felt when you started your first job. Most of all, always remember that you can be better. Don’t settle for average because it is comfortable. Take risks, push the norm, and strive to be the best. People who know that things can always be better push the world forward. Be one of those people. Be great and do not settle.

Lastly, do not forget about those who were with you during the struggle. Whether that be mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, friends from school, a professor, or a significant other, keep them in mind and thank them for keeping you sane. I know just as well as you that we would never make it through out school without these support systems, so tell them. My former pastor used to say “always give flowers on this side.” Make sure that people know that you appreciate them. Remember that the ones who were with you when you were hungry are the ones you should keep when you are full.

C.Long