Starting a New Chapter: The Hopes and Fears of College Graduates

A vivid memory I have from high school was that of my American History teacher going over statistics for the unemployment rate of college graduates and the feeling of fear and anxiety that swept throughout the classroom. Seeing the quiet panic that he incited in his class of seniors, Mr. Fiore assured us that by the time we graduated, “The economy and the job market will be back on its feet.” That was nearly four years ago, and though the economy is slowly improving, the quiet panic is still evident in this year’s college graduates. But is fear of finding employment the only cause of anxiety for this year’s graduating seniors?
 
It’s no surprise that students who graduate college are faced with a monumental transition in life. Leaving college not only means leaving school, but leaving behind all semblance of dependency and crossing the stage means crossing into adulthood and all of the responsibilities that come with it. This new stage of life brings with it causes for excitement and terror. Not only do college graduates become personally independent, but financial responsibilities become a concern if they weren’t already. Questions such as: “Will I be able to make it on my own?” “Will I get a job that I like?” and “Am I prepared for this?” all plague the minds of students on the brink of entering the working world.

When asked about fears of finding a job after leaving college, graduating senior Austin Bliss had this to say, ”I’m definitely scared of the position I’m putting myself in. I’m making a life decision. I’m going to have to get health insurance and all these things that an adult has. It’s scary as hell.” Austin isn’t alone in his anxieties about the future. It is common knowledge that while graduates are usually excited to finally be done with academic life, fears of failure still loom in the backs of their minds.
 
Though graduating from college means fully taking on the responsibilities of adulthood, there is also much cause for excitement. “I’m excited about making money and never having to study again,” says soon-to-be graduate Dominique Howard – and the feeling is totally understandable. Entering the workforce means leaving behind term papers, all-nighters, and final exams, which is enough to cause anyone delight and exhilaration. No more lectures, GPAs, or group assignments to incite stress and panic. Upon graduating from college, a new chapter of your life is started, one in which only you can write. Your successes and failures are dependent entirely upon yourself and your choices, and you alone can take credit for them.

For those who already have their futures planned and jobs lined up for after graduation, Amber Guarente has some advice, “Never ever be without a goal. Even if you attain your goal of having your dream job, find another goal. Always have something to look forward to. I think that’s a big part of being happy.”
 
Graduating college is a time of fear, joy, anxiety, and relief all at once. For over 18 years, school is a big part of our lives and to leave it behind can be nerve racking, but know that you are not alone concerning for the future. Feelings of anxiety are normal responses to the unknown, but remember that college and our experiences while here have prepared us for this new terrain we must all enter. So to all soon-to-be college graduates, do not fear this new beginning, celebrate it.