So I Graduated... Now What?

The Graduation Blues - a phenomenon I know all too well. After all of the quarter-life crises, Mariah moments and other meltdowns about my future, I think it's safe to say that I am an expert. 

The Graduation Blues has several phases, which I'm sure most grads can relate to.

First, you have the realization that graduation is coming sooner than you thought, otherwise known as the "OMG, let me party all I can before it all has to stop!" epiphany. I can relate to this because I think I partied more than I ever did throughout my entire college career during my last few weeks of school. I realized, yeah, it was fun, but I was way too old for the scene. I just wanted to make sure that I went out with a bang and wore all the clothes I had never worn due to my past bookworm ways. This partying phase comes on as an attempt to hide from the fact that now, you have to figure out what comes next in your life.

Next, you start to reflect and think, "Did I choose the right major?" I remember those Kanye lyrics from "All Falls Down" going through my head - "The major that she major in don't make no money, but she can't drop out - her parents will look at her funny." I never questioned my choice of major and I definitely never considered dropping out, but these times will make you question everything. Don't fall victim to it. Stay confident in your choices.

Then, you graduate. The family comes to see you. With the family, comes the questions - what are you doing now? In fact, as I write this, my grandmother is asking me if I'm really going to grad school and that she heard on the news that I won't get a job without it.

Insert Mariah moment here.

Between answering the questions with more and more ridiculous things (my answer is now, "I'm going to NYC on a one-way ticket to seek my fortune") and actually contemplating them, you really have to sit and figure out what you're going to do. The hardest part is actually doing it.

My advice to the world is to stop wallowing. I am trying to take my own advice as I am currently wallowing in a "swine flu"-induced stupor. It's hard, I know, but we - the class of 2009 will prevail. 

Anyway, this will be a series of posts in which you will get advice on professional development and becoming the best you during your down time.

In the meanwhile, remember that sometimes, plans don't work out and the best things happen when you let God surprise you. Just take advantage of every opportunity you get and don't be afraid to fail.

Stay True.

-Aly