One Year Post-Grad
One year ago today, I graduated college with a Bachelor’s degree in English from Georgia State University. Four years of hard work, growth, challenges, and determination culminated in the payoff of receiving my diploma and recognition at our Class of ‘21 ceremony. My time at Georgia State will always hold a special place in my heart - it’s where I met the love of my life, where I refined and honed the skills I still use every day, and where I grew more as a person than in any other phase of my life. As I’ve started to see photos and videos being posted online of the Class of ‘22’s graduation ceremonies, I’ve been reminded of the excitement and joy that day brings, but also of the uncertainty that comes alongside those highs.
Those of us who are fortunate enough to attend and graduate college live very regimented and straightforward lives up until the big day, for the most part. In pre-school, middle school, high school, and college, there are rigid guidelines that directly tell you what success looks like. You are told where to be every day and when to get there. You’re told exactly what’s needed from you to get good grades, recognition, and rewards like scholarships. The loss of that direction by the time of college graduation can lead to a daunting, existential reflection that makes you ask “now what?”
But that is when you use the skills you’ve gained over the years more than ever before. The lack of direction shouldn’t be perceived as intimidating or scary, but instead as an opportunity to embrace the journey of young adulthood and of life altogether. In my first year post-grad, I’ve been proud of the steps I’ve taken to elevate my circumstances, and I’m confident in what the future has in store for me. I’ve moved in with my wonderful girlfriend, am coming up my first anniversary at a job that supports and engages me, and have maintained healthy relationships with those around me. None of this was by mistake, but none of it was necessarily difficult, either; instead, it only took me relying and trusting myself as an able, capable lifelong learner who embraces and learns from challenges that arise.
The freedom that graduating gives you is liberating. You are able to create your own schedules, define what success what looks for yourself, and create your own guidelines that define what makes a day good or bad. Instead of competing with others for grades, results, and scholarships, you are able to compete with who you were yesterday for growth, maturation, and fulfillment. I’m as confident in my own skin and in myself as I have ever been, and that’s because I’ve embraced and accepted that there is always so much room left to grow, but that steady improvements and small wins fuel that growth every day.
To those who are graduating this year: Don’t be afraid. Now is the time to reflect on how far you’ve come, look forward to how far you’ll go, and be patient with yourself as you navigate life post-grad. Now is also the time to rely on your support systems, and make sure they know how much you appreciate them. Tell your past self how proud you are, and tell your future self you can’t wait to watch things unfold. My first year post-grad has been everything I could’ve hoped for, and I can’t wait to continue this amazing ride.
