TWS: Post Grad Life So Far P.2

To start this post off, I just wanted to acknowledge that the last post was a bit heavy. Outpouring experiences dealing with sensitive topics that most of us go through entering post-grad life is needless to say, one of the hardest things to do. It’s not easy in the slightest sense. Sure, you can verbally share your thoughts and opinions but can you openly share your vulnerabilities? It just doesn’t compare or compete on the same level of sensitivity.

So I dedicate this post to being a continuation of our conversation on post-grad realness and emotional whirlwinds, because not only does it deserve our attention, but it demands reckless compassion and thoughtful discussion.

After graduation, nothing was the same. Ha-ha! Sounds daunting and in some sense, it was. But, what THEY don’t tell you is that post-graduation isn’t like walking into a calming garden of lilies and daffodils and roses. I mean, it’s probably like this for some people, I imagine a very few, BUT it was absolutely not like that for me. Try more of a combination of sorts- try a garden filled with tulips, unplucked roses, orchards, and cactuses. A bit colorful in scope, but hopefully you get my metaphor.

One, graduation was BITTERSWEET- so bitter and sweet that I constantly wish I was young enough to experience it all over again (yes, I am aware that I am ONLY 23 years old). And may I say, I am not too young to start saying “I wish I was younger.” 

As once an undergraduate student, graduation meant entering into a world you thought you knew much about, surviving the jungle that you once viewed as tameable, and staying afloat on a kid-sized inflatable donut decorated with bedazzled sprinkles. A bit too soon, very much overwhelming, and altogether whimsical! 

As an alumna, I can proudly say that I am HOO 4 LIFEEE, but I’m still saddened by the fact that I can’t hit up the corner on the weekend, or visit my professor’s office to say hello, or just walk across the street to see my besties. It’s a bit different- everyone is in different locations, pursuing different careers and goals, and withstanding different temperatures and climates, in and outside of the workplace (if you know what I mean).

Secondly, emotional rollercoasters come and go once you’ve graduated- more often than not. They are manageable but under specific circumstances. First- you have to take the time to breathe and channel whatever it is that’s bothering you. If you don’t, it will build up and maybe even become uncontrollable. Second- release it. Whether that’s talking to a close friend or family member, confidant or journaling or meditating; any outlet is still an outlet. 

And thirdly, recognize your progress and give yourself some dang CREDIT! You deserve it and to be quite frank, this world is way too hard on us as individuals, so why add to that external pressure and insensitivity. I know it’s quite easier said than done, but your progress is something to be proud of, something to be acknowledged, and something to be comforted. Be gentle with yourself! 

Personally, I think our generation (good ole Gen Z) struggle with this because we’re constantly on the go, wanting to do more, be more and challenge anything and everything that looks to deconstruct and disassemble universal progression and equality. We’re kinetically-engineered doers and sometimes a fast pace can relinquish a steady mind and heart. Protect your emotions and thoughts and mental health above all because (not to go deep or anything but I meannnnnn) you only get one life kid. Live it to the fullest. Period! 

I think I’ve talked enough about the semi-bitter portion of graduation- on to the good ole sweeettttt! To put things in context, this part is the jelly filling to my donut if you will. Graduating means “It’s out with the old and in with the new. Goodbye clouds of gray, hello skies of blue.” (thanks Sharpay Evans, High School Musical 2) 

Here’s to new experiences, wider horizons and endless memories. It’s a period of self-discovery, self-recovery, and inevitable growth! Here’s to the time that you actually have to schedule calls with your friends into your calendar, pay bills and juggle responsibilities. Here’s to also exploring new avenues, making more friends and opening yourself to opportunities, whether it be through work, or extracurriculars. 

Post-graduation has brought me so much perspective and wisdom that I never thought was possible to experience let alone know that it existed in the first place. Initially, post-graduation was hard because I had to step out of my comfort zone and be independent, not just in my entering adulthood but in the responsibilities that I vowed to take on. 

Now I look at post-graduation as a process, which I touched on in the previous post. In every process, one undergoes change, discomfort, the ‘climb’ and the endless frontier of future endeavors. I had experienced the change and discomfort when I graduated and a bit after graduation when I found myself staggering at the pace I was at. I personally wasn’t moving as quickly as I’d hoped which then caused me to feel down about any progress I was making. After months of feeling this way, I began my climb to newness and hope. I worked and worked and worked, and pushed myself back up to the pace that I was accustomed to. And I made sure I gave and continue to give myself credit for any progress made.

I also turned to loved ones and my faith for support, because the process does require a little leaning on someone every now and then. Now, I can proudly say that 2020 has brought me much happiness, appreciation and the right amount of discomfort! I have a fantastic job that I love, friends that I call family, and ambitions growing out of my head, things seem to be looking up from here. I have reached the frontier of my future endeavors, and the view is picturesque. 

With all things, you must have patience. You should also throw in there optimism, and hope because dreams and aspirations die when hope is lost.

Right now post-graduation is a dream, and while I miss UVA very much, I am extremely grateful for the experiences graduating from there has given me. There’s no better feeling than knowing you’re right where you’re supposed to be!

Cheers to the journey we’re on together! May it be paved with a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and explorable unfamiliar territory! May all of our dreams and aspirations come true and may we graciously welcome desirable opportunities and endeavors! May we leave behind the bonsai tree and embrace the poplar trees that attract our attention upward! 

That’s all for now y’all. See ya soon ❤