Whew.

You made it through that ridiculously tough seminar class, you turned in your final 40-page research paper on intrapersonal communication and you walked across that very important stage. Just like that you’re done with 4 pretty significant years of your life. Now what?

For the past 4-years (or 5+ if you’re really pulling a super senior), you’ve known which classes, professors and graduation requirements you needed to get that little piece of paper and walk across that stage. Now it’s go-time. Many of us, including myself, have struggled with the next leap of life. It’s that time where uneasiness can engulf you into instant panic mode. Stop right there. Just because you haven’t figured out exactly what your next post-grad step is doesn’t mean you’re not going to figure it out. Life moves quickly and the same goes with college. One minute you’re sitting in your Cyberspace Law capstone day dreaming of spring break and the next you’re trying to formulate the perfect cover letter for a job you don’t even know if you’re qualified for. It’s all one big whirlwind, but looking back on my own whirlwind I couldn’t be happier where I am. My little piece of whirlwind has defined me as not only a professional, but as a person. We all go through those periods of uncertainty; concerned with the job we want, which area we want to live and the relationships we have. It’s inevitable to have doubts, to be uncertain and to be scared in a world that is now referred to as the real world. ::shriek::

From someone who has struggled with the post-grad world, I might have a few pieces of advice I can throw your way. Maybe you’ll use them, maybe you won’t, but at least you’ll know there is someone out there in the same boat as you. Paddling, rowing, wading, swimming, they’re moving along one way or another, but they’re still in the same boat as you.

 

Don’t be afraid of the uncertainty: Life is crazy. There are going to be times of uncertainty and those are the times that are going to shape you. You might not know what your dream job is or where you’ll be living in 5 years, but those uncertain parts in your life are the ones that help you grow.

Your path isn’t like anyone else’s: For a long time, I was a little too caught up in other people’s tracks (I blame you, Facebook). Just because the girl you sat next to in 10th grade history class got engaged does not mean you should have found your soul mate. Just because your college roommate got a promotion after 3 months does not mean there’s not one for you. Don’t be afraid to make your own tracks and follow your way of doing life. There’s no field guide to life, just do your own thing.

Really put yourself out there: Ok this message rings true to every part of your life. If you’re on the job hunt, let that be known to everyone you know. Don’t be afraid to really put yourself out there and let friends, friends-of-friends, old high school teachers, etc. know you’re on the hunt. Whether you’re on the job hunt or just looking to make friends in a new city, don’t be afraid to try new things. Join a kickball team, take pottery classes – do what you love and the rest will follow suit.