For some of you AMAZING women, including myself, it’s that time of the year. It’s time for a significant stepping stone in our college career… GRADUATION!! Graduation can be so bittersweet, bringing up feelings and emotions you didn’t know you had. On the one hand, you’re finally free of all the stress that comes along with college (unless Graduate School is your thing) and on the other hand, you’re leaving the people and the life you’ve grown accustomed to for the last four or more years. Either way, graduation is a huge and amazing accomplishment, and just the thought of it will have you “hyped up” for the whole semester.
But one thing I noticed that kills your almost-grad vibes, is this very annoying question, “So, what’s your plan after graduation. I know the question seems so innocent, but to a person who’s constantly worried about keeping their grades up to par in their last semester and worrying about whether they’re going to get a job after graduation, it’s so internally frustrating. I know that for me and some of my friends I’ve had this conversation with, those type of questions can cause anxiety in a person. We start wondering if we are prepared for the “real” adult life and begin contemplating every decision we’ve made so far. We even start to feel inadequate when we’re around peers who can answer these questions and who’s after graduation plans are official.
This question that everyone feels they should ask a rising graduate can crush that soon to be graduate’s feelings. So, to my fellow future Grads, it’s ok to be unsure about your future. Do not let your Mom, Dad, Auntie, or even your Advisor make you feel bad for not knowing your post-graduation plans. We are young; we have time to make mistakes, live our life to the fullest, and find our dream occupations.
-HCXO