To Recent And Not-So-Recent Graduates | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

To Recent And Not-So-Recent Graduates

Learning to adult can be overwhelming at times, but it's worth it.

25
To Recent And Not-So-Recent Graduates
Publish.illinois.edu.

So you've been out of school for at least a year. You're finally done with papers and stress-inducing deadlines (unless you're in grad school, in which case, best of luck to you). You've been adulting full-time for a while now. Everything's great, right?

OK, so everything might not be perfect, but hey, you made it this far. That's an accomplishment in itself.

This past weekend, I went back to my Alma Mater to watch this year's graduation and to congratulate some friends. It felt good to be back on campus. However, a flood of emotions watched over me once everyone had received their degrees. I felt a mix of nostalgia, sadness, pride and, strangely enough, anxiety. It seems so surreal that I took that walk a little over a year ago. Like, where has the time gone?

When I reflect on my undergrad years, I cherish them as four of the best in my life. They weren't perfect by any means, but they were amazing. It's great to know what you've accomplished and to remember that your hard work didn't go to waste. Granted, I'm not totally where I want to be in life, but I'm far enough to realize that I've come a long way, and so has everyone else that's graduated.

Life has a habit of taking many twists and turns. As undergrad students, we're told to have a plan and to get a job within our major, so it's a little discouraging when that doesn't happen. However, it's not the end of the world. You just have to learn to roll with the punches and keep moving forward no matter what.

Even though we've graduated, life has become our classroom. We'll be tested at random. We'll continue to learn. We'll find groups we can be a part of and make new friends. We'll still have stress-inducing deadlines every now and then. But you know what? We'll make it.

Unfortunately, there's no textbook for adulting (but given the prices of college textbooks, maybe that's a blessing in disguise). Fortunately, there's no one right way to adult. What works for you won't work for others, and that's OK. Just keep learning. Keep growing. Keep loving. Years down the road, you'll reflect on this moment and realize yet again how far you've come, and you'll realize that while life can be a hellish roller coaster at times, the ride's worth it if you stick it out.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

620
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15582
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3200
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments