Opinion

Post Graduation Blues? It’s OK!

Don’t panic about the future, take your time

In nearly two weeks, many of us will complete our time at Humboldt State University as students. Some may feel excited to start their new journeys, some may feel stressed and nervous for their future.

I am here to remind you that it is absolutely OK to have no idea what you are doing post graduation.

At this point in the semester, many of us are constantly being bombarded with questions like, “What’s the plan after college? Got anything lined up?”

Art by Celeste Alvarez and Ash Ramirez

As if we are supposed to have an answer, and if we don’t, then we must not know what we are doing with ourselves.

Four years ago, I told myself that by the time I became a senior, I am going to have my personal statement completed, have taken the Graduate Record Examinations, and submitted my graduate school applications.

Oh Victoria, naive, naive, Victoria.

I currently have none of that done.

That doesn’t mean that I have not been productive with my time here at HSU. Many of us, including myself, had to work two or more jobs on top of taking 18 plus units in order to get by.

So yes – I am definitely feeling the pressure of not having a master plan lined up post-graduation. However, that doesn’t mean that this is the end of the road for me.

School has been part of my personal routine for the past 17 years and this is the case for many students. A world outside of academia can seem intimidating, when it is something that has been part of our whole life.

We have the right to take a breather.

It is unrealistic to think that we are supposed to have our whole lives planned out by the time we are 18 years old. At that age, we are still teenagers, and many of us have no idea what it is that we want to commit ourselves to for the rest of our lives.

If you are feeling nervous for your future, it’s OK because you are not alone. Take a moment to embrace your hard work as an undergraduate.

This next bit of advice is one that I continue to work on everyday – make sure that you do not compare yourself to others. As students we all have different routes. As unfair as it seems, some have it a lot easier than others.

If you don’t have anything lined up post college, use this time to explore – use this time to figure out what it is exactly that makes you warm inside, and never be afraid to aim high.

Remember, time is on your side, so use it wisely.

Pssst… here’s a tip:

The Academic and Career Advising Center allows students to use their services for up to six months after graduation. Students could receive resume and cover letter help or for career advising.

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