The week we have been dreading has finally arrived! While many students may be trying to keep their eyes open and are on their (insert ridiculous number) energy drink, many seniors have been enjoying their last week soaking up these moments with friends. Now seniors, whether you’ve been excited to finally get the hell out of Pitt or dreading graduation and hope to live your life as Van Wilder, we can no longer deny that the time has finally come to move on into this so called “real world.” Whether you’re going on to grad school, starting a job, moving back home and taking a year off, or have no clue as to what your plans are: never fear. One of the greatest and scariest aspects of life is that it is unpredictable, and planning your life moment to moment can be boring. Listed below are five possibilities for things to do before going to grad school, starting your new job, or if you’re in a rut. It could help you gain some perspective in life while you’re still young.
1. Travel. Whether you have studied abroad or not, who can say no to more of exploring the world? Take a break from reality for a bit and go to Europe with friends as a graduation present to yourself. You may never have a more perfect opportunity to travel as you do now. You’ll be well rested when you get back to begin whatever journey you have set out for yourself. And who knows, it may also influence the decisions you have or have not made for the future. 2. Road Trip. A road trip is also a perfect way to reflect on the future and a cheaper one at that. Grab your friends from Pitt and hit the beach or wherever a full tank of gas will take you. 3. Move to a new city. After the summer fun is gone, maybe you will have continued with your plans for the future, continued to be uncertain, or changed them all together. No matter the case, it’s likely that you want to start fresh. What’s a more perfect way to do that than to move to a new city and reinvent yourself? Not only will this help you strive for the goals you have imagined but it will also give you more confidence. If you’re a city gal, some options are NY, DC, Seattle, Savannah, etc. If you’re more of a rural type, try to find a place where you see yourself growing.
4. Spend time with family. If you have a good relationship with your family, this may be a no brainer. As the years go by, it’s harder to spend as much time with your family as you did before. A big plus is that they are usually willing to support whatever decision you make and may help you in making one. 5. Pursue the things you desire. If you’re still on the fence about the career you have chosen, take a step back and consider what you would do if you weren’t in the field you’re in; the options listed above are perfect for letting you think with a clear head. If you’re unhappy with your choice of going to grad school or having a particular job, pick a different route. Don’t be afraid to admit that you may have misjudged what you want to do. For example, if your bachelors is in finance but you want to be a nurse, take the action and steps to help you get to where you want to be and what you want to achieve. Or if you just need a break from your field, take it, and eventually start the process of what you really wanted since freshman year at Pitt. Sure, it will take work and dedication on your part, but the adventure is half the fun and I’d rather choose that then be stuck somewhere I’m unhappy with. So my collegiate graduates, please don’t be terribly sad when we have to leave the comfort Pitt has given us for the past years. Look to the future with excitement and carry the ideals and motivation Pitt has provided you with since the beginning. Until then, enjoy these moments as an undergrad! So HC readers: farewell, try terribly not to avoid the future, and HAIL to PITT! Photo Credits: 1, 2