This is one of my favorite times of the year, working at a university. This week, the students walk. They graduated. Now they must pay close attention to whatever their ‘next’ is. Some have jobs lined up, many are still searching, and some are just so frightened by the idea of not being in school anymore. I get it – They have been in school for 17, 18 years, and the idea of being an adult, or ‘adulting’ as the term goes, is enough to wig out anyone.
That said, when you break it all down, it should be one of the most meaningful times in a young life. All those years in a classroom, listening to teachers, processing all this information, and hardly ever paying attention to what you want to or will become. Even as they graduate, students are still uncertain about the future. They majored in something and do not know how to interpret that into a job or a career. Despite that uncertainty, the unknown, the fear, it is an exciting time in a young person’s life. NEXT represents the future. Enjoy the ride. Next represents what lies ahead. And, ultimately, next represents success. Learn as you go. Your classes might be over, but learning never stops. Embrace every day. This is what you worked for. This is where the challenge lives…..within yourself. Let the brain absorb every minute. Process and push the boundaries in front of you. Be fearless. See it for what it is. Manage the change. This moment in time belongs to you. The journey is long. It will take time, so do just that – TAKE YOUR TIME.
