As my graduation date fast approaches, I’m beginning to fully understand the fact that my future beyond school is right around the corner. No more pulling all-nighters finishing ten-page essays, having a mutual appreciation with classmates for chill professors, or even being able to go to the best club meetings with Her Campus. No more late-night runs to grab Papa John’s with college friends (not sponsored) or asking my family to tune into my radio show at the college station (WUSC-FM.) That feeling of nostalgia is real, but a heightened sense of post-graduation anxiety is even more real. In a few months, I’ll be seeking an entirely new experience beyond education.
I still have one more month as a college student and I’m soaking up every second, but sometimes that feeling of a future without structure can really weigh on me. But, as my grandma says, this is life, and graduating is a natural and normal step toward an even brighter future.
This should be an exciting time; but, if you’re feeling this same sense of, let’s just say, impending doom, you already know that you are far from alone. Take a break from your relatives constantly asking what your plans are post-grad and check out three tips I have below to deal with that post-grad anxiety.
Focus on the good
There is so much opportunity past college. Freedom from class obligations is coming and with it comes more time to focus on the things you’ve been wanting to do for a while. Your dream career may be in view. Maybe you’re gonna be making more money (no more ramen as the only option for dinner.) Or maybe you’re looking forward to taking a break from academic hustling with a gap year or moving back in with your parents. Save that money girl! Whatever it is you’re gonna do, the ability to fully live life on your own terms is coming into view more and more each day. The glass is more than half full, it is absolutely overflowing.
Appreciate the good times
Looking back on the good moments college brought you is so important in this changing process. Take time to thank your friends for the good times and recognize those days are far from over. If you’re worried about losing those in your life, realize that those that are truly meant to be in your life will stay there. And with new places comes new people. Maybe your new group of friends is still out there waiting for you to grace them with your presence!
Look for support
If you’ve been listening to most of your fellow seniors, you will see that almost everyone has the same fears about graduation. This period of change isn’t easy, but it’s a feeling shared by so many that go to college. If you’re not convinced, look toward your family members that went to college and those older than you for their experience with post-grad. Many of them have good things to say about graduating. For many people, college is not the best four years of their life.
Thinking about life past graduation can be scary, but it really shouldn’t be. This whole college experience was to get you prepared for real-life beyond the past four years. Now is the time that the world is in front of us. We can choose our own adventure from things like grad school, gap years, careers, traveling, and even moving home and figuring things out. We are in our twenties. That’s so young. We have no reason to rush into anything. So don’t put so much pressure on yourself and just enjoy today. Trust yourself and know that whatever happens past college will be built for you. Embrace the change and go live your life!