Senior year can be a mixed bag. You’re excited (or terrified) about the next chapter in your life, and just like your college experience, it’s up to you to make the most of your adult life after graduation.
With that comes some tough conversations with the family about your post-graduation plans. If you feel like you’re the only one dealing with your family during your senior year, good news: Four fellow college seniors are sharing their current almost-graduation realities with helpful tips to remember when you’re talking about your post-grad life.
1. It’s Okay If You’re Unsure
“I have no idea what I want to do after graduation. My parents keep bothering me about it; I’m just trying to see what’s out there and not go straight from school to working full-time.” – Jake, University of Oregon ‘17
Who knows what the future holds? You could have every detail worked out in your post-grad plan, from the minute you cross the stage at graduation to when you’re driving your kids to their soccer practice.
But no matter how much control we think we have over our lives, there will always be new challenges or opportunities thrown in our faces. Although it’s always good to have a backup plan, allow your current choices to lead you to where you’re meant to be. Your job is to figure out how you will begin to contribute to the rest of the world in a way that aligns with who you are and the person you want to be, and that’s enough for right now.
2. Get Outside Your Comfort Zone
“This internship I’m at offered me a full-time position in their East Coast offices. I’m a little nervous about it because I’ve lived in California my whole life. I don’t know how my parents are going to feel about it because I’ve never been that far from home.” – Megan, University of California, Los Angeles ‘17
Don’t be afraid of new opportunities, embrace them! When you’re offered a full-time position, that means your employer appreciates you and sees your potential.
New environments can be intimidating, but you should always be open to positive change! The pressure of having to explain to your family that you won’t be within driving distance from home anymore may convince you to stay after all, but be prepared to console them with the fact that now they have a place to come visit when things get stale back at home. (And the same goes for you too!) You’re an adult and it’s up to you to create a life for yourself; your family will respect you for taking those necessary steps.
3. Be Selfish
“After graduation I’m going to take a year for myself and just travel. I’ve never traveled overseas before and I’ve been saving up since my junior year of high school to do this. My parents have been pressuring me to set up a job for myself and start right away, but if I don’t do this now when will I ever get a better chance?” – Allison, University of Washington ’17
They say the best time to be selfish is during your college years, because you’re constantly learning new things about yourself. However, what about after college? The time between graduation and settling into your nine-to-five job is the best time to do whatever it is your heart desires.
If you want to travel and expand your knowledge of different cultures around the world, do it, especially if you’re like Allison, who has been saving for years to take this opportunity for herself. (Plus it won’t hurt to always send a postcard or some souvenirs back home to the family, because trust me, they’ll definitely be bragging about all your adventures!)
4. Have a Prepared Response
“I’m a fifth-year senior, so you better believe I’m ready to graduate. My whole family has been on my case, especially after taking this extra year of school. I’ve found the best response, when you’re unsure, is to make a joke about it and they’ll get the picture. In the past I’ve said things like, “I just applied for the next season of Survivor.” – David, Oregon State University ‘17
It’s always good to have some answers up your sleeve, ready to go, when asked by friends and family about your plans. These can be humorous, especially if you’re not ready to share what your plans actually are, because ultimately it’s your call. Plus, a funny answer helps take the edge off the pressure and lightens the mood!
Remember, you’re almost done with school. There is a light at the end of the tunnel! Senior year isn’t just about saying goodbye; it’s about anticipating all the new hellos. You’re entering adulthood and with that comes a lot of responsibility, but you’ve been preparing for this for the past 20-plus years.
You’re ready, now get out there!
