Dear Class of 2016,

It’s only been two days since I graduated and I have so many mixed feelings! “Have you found a job yet? What are your plans? Are you going to grad school?” These are some of the questions I’m sure you guys have heard throughout your last semester of college, especially on your graduation day. Whether you have a job lined up for you or you aren’t quite sure of what the future holds, one thing is for sure and it’s that this is a great accomplishment to be proud of.

During my graduation ceremony I was extremely excited to finally be sitting there next to two of my best friends, taking all the greatness in. After seeing my brother get his bachelor’s and master’s degree, I always wanted to follow his footsteps of receiving my diploma. I was also really excited because my cousin, who I basically grew up with as a brother and did everything together, was also graduating the same day.

On the other hand I also felt a little overwhelmed. Sitting next to hundreds of graduating students you start to feel like maybe it’s not that big of a deal. Then you also have those pessimist who tell you that a Bachelor’s degree isn’t worth much anymore and that it is just a waste of time. I’m the last person to care about what people think but these negative thoughts sometimes just start going through your head. So, I’m here to tell you that no matter what negative comments people have to say, you should be immensely proud of yourself!

At FIU, during our ceremony, they recognize world ahead students. These students have gone through so many obstacles and hardships to get to this point. This just makes me think that no matter what you are going through you can achieve your goals. If there’s a will there’s a way. At least for me, I know that I’ve gone through a lot to get to this point, and so have many other college students. It’s important to keep in mind your dreams, your goals when you start doubt yourself and your accomplishments.

With that being said, I’m super excited to see what the future holds for. Don’t let the unsureness of what the future holds, dim the light on one of your greatest accomplishments thus far. We, Millennials are the future of the world and we have to make it count! My fellow classmates, cheers to this new stage in your life!