“What is your plan for after graduation?” There it is — every senior’s least favorite question…or at least mine. Even though it is only the first semester, getting asked about my future plans when I do not even have any idea myself can be very stressful. I can only imagine how these feelings will intensify as I get closer and closer to graduation. Whether it is friends, family, peers, or professors, having to express my uncertainty to people never gets easier and can definitely feel very defeating.
No matter how tiring or defeating it feels, the truth is this: it is totally and completely normal. While some of your peers may have already accepted a full time position, there are plenty of those who have not. Me included. There is no right or wrong path when it comes to your future.
The reality for many students is that graduation does not equate to having everything figured out. In fact, those of us who think we have it all figured out, most likely are also struggling as well in some aspects. It is very stressful to simultaneously deal with the nostalgia of leaving the last thing you have ever known for four years and the stress of starting a career. For many, the intensity of this pace can be overwhelming to say the least.
Some people may have already accepted a job and others may struggle to find one. Some people may go straight to graduate school and others may take a year (or many) in between. Some people may even move back into their parents house to save money and others may take the time to themselves to travel.
No matter what you choose to do, do not let anyone make you feel bad about your decisions. There is no right or wrong path after graduation.
So, to the seniors, I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and while you may not know what that reason is yet, it will make sense eventually. Instead of focusing on your post graduation plan and others’, let’s enjoy the time we have left. Let’s spend more time with the people we love and in the places that make Bucknell the place we fell in love with four years ago.