Advice for the Class of 2021
By Mary Kaitlin Enright
As a senior on the bullet train to graduation, the world feels like a bit of a whirlwind right now. Emotions can range anywhere from fear to exhilaration to loneliness to nostalgia and on and on. I asked a few fellow seniors about how they’re feeling about graduation and the looming, ever-daunting real world. Their responses included a bit of all of those emotions, and even some more:
“I’m in denial. It doesn’t feel real. I don’t think it will set in until after I graduate that I’m not coming back in the Fall.”
“I woke up in the middle of the night and I realized, oh, f***—I get two more weeks, then it’s work for forty years. No more summer vacation, no more winter break, just work, work, work, work, work…”
“I really can’t tell you how I feel. I don’t have a job. I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“I feel like this will be the first time in my life that I don’t really have a plan to follow, or next steps to take. It’s scary and exciting. More scary than exciting though.”
“I feel like I’ve been waiting twenty-one years to start the rest of my life. Let’s get this train going.”
Whether you can relate to all—or none—of these quotes, I think we’re all in the same boat, feeling some type of way about the so-called next chapter.
I often wonder: am I supposed to know what happens next and how to feel about it? Because quite frankly, I don’t. And unfortunately, I couldn’t get my hands on a copy of Post-Grad for Dummies in Falvey. So instead, I reached out to some recent grads to get their take. Turns out it’s totally normal to feel spooked, and better yet, almost everyone felt (and still feels) the same way.
“My friends and I always talk about how we must have missed the sleepover when we were younger where they talk about what the heck you are supposed to be doing in your early/mid 20s, because we don’t know anything.”
Once I knew I wasn’t alone, I wanted to know more. I asked about what to expect, and for any advice they had for young professionals or their former selves. Here’s a snap of what I got:
What to expect
“There is a big misconception about how you will look relative to your peers: the same and/or better...that’s a bunch of BS. Everyone is on their own personal and professional journey.”
“Anxiety is a consequence of comparing yourself to other people and their lives.”
“In the weeks and months after graduation, if you feel like you’re not keeping up with your college friends, you’re not alone.”
“Whatever plan that you had for graduation is likely going to change. And if your plans do change, or if things don't necessarily go your way, that is completely fine.”
Advice for young professionals
“You agreed to perform a job in exchange for benefits and compensation. You didn’t agree to allow that job to take your free time, youthful glow, or sanity. Take the PTO. Shut the computer off at 5pm. Don’t respond to emails on the weekend. It all can wait until tomorrow.”
“Always make time for yourself.”
“Connections are more important than you think, like a lot more important.”
“Put your best foot forward in everything you do.”
“If you are sure you didn’t pick the right path... Start your new one now. You might think it’s too late, but you’re not getting younger. And the truth is, you’re 22. Life is just beginning.”
“No one tells you this, because you’re always told to aim high. But manage your expectations. Be positive—mentality is huge. But be realistic. Keep things in perspective about where you're at.”
Advice to younger self
“Even if I could go back, I would've wanted it to play out the way that it did.”
“Be open minded and flexible to new and different possibilities and potential avenues. Don’t be so set on one future.”
“I wish pre-COVID, I would've done a better job of staying in touch with college friends. It’s easy to get caught up in your professional/career lives. So reach out, and stay in touch. And remember, it's never too late to keep relationships going.”
(For when you’re feeling stuck) “This is temporary, not a forever thing.”
“Every moment or decision that you think might be a step back, in hindsight is a step forward in your journey.”
As corny as these lines might sound, they are words that kept those before us afloat. And the most intriguing thing about the conversations I had was that many people had the same things to say. We can find solace in knowing that even if it’s a whirlwind that’s not stopping, we’re all on this bullet train together. Let’s celebrate that!
Cheers, Class of 2021!
