Graduation... that seems exciting, doesn't it? Or perhaps it's a little scary to you? I know that when Graduation was in my direct sights, I panicked... and I truly mean panicked. "What am I going to do?" The same question played over and over in my mind like a broken record, it was very overwhelming. When you graduate High School, people encourage you to go to college; in most cases (not all) if you want to, you do immediately. What they don't tell you is what you do after you hit that peak of Post-Grad.

There are some options once you graduate from college:

1. You can go to Graduate School.

You can go on to get a Ph.D. or a Master's in whatever field you have decided to work in.

2. You can look for a job.

Depending on what career you've chosen, you may be able to find work within the respective field

3. You can buy some pets and pretend you have everything together.

... This is mostly a joke... mostly.

But again, they don't tell you how hard it is to do it. I graduated from my University with two Bachelor's Degrees in Psychology and English Writing, and though it sounds like bragging a bit, I am really proud of that. I spent years of my life perfecting my writing, getting in good with professor's while still having a job, volunteering, and having a social life. Was there a lot of crying and late nights? Oh yeah. I would be lying to you if I said there wasn't, but GAWD it was so worth it. So while I stood in line awaiting the moment when I could actually say I had done it... fear pooled over me. Now listen to me okay? This next portion is REALLY REALLY important...

YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE EVERYTHING PLANNED OUT RIGHT NOW.

Which Path Did You Follow?

If you followed Option 1, I am very proud of you. You should be very proud of yourself. It takes hard work and severe dedication to land yourself into Graduate School directly after graduating from Undergrad. I do hope that you will strive and excel in order to reach your goals, there's only one way to go and that's up. Good luck, I am sending you warm fuzzies to help you along your journey.

If you are looking to go to Graduate School (follow Option 1) directly after you graduate Undergrad, there are many opportunities out there and information you should gather before heading to the applications. WRITE A BOMB ASS PERSONAL STATEMENT. You need something that makes you stand out, aside from your academics and involvement. GET IN GOOD WITH PROFESSORS IN YOUR FIELD. Sometimes we overlook our professors, but truly they are an asset to us in the future because they will write letters of recommendation for you. Also, make sure that you do or do not need any outside testing such as the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc. If you do, make sure that you STUDY and prepare yourself for it (trust me when I say that they are hard). Don't let this discourage you. You have already decided this is your path, and I know that you CAN do it. Now pour some more coffee, rub the exhaustion off of your face, and aspire to meet your own expectations!

If you followed Option 2 , I am still proud of you. I also followed this option, mostly because I cannot function knowing how much debt I already have accumulated just to go and get double that immediately. I know for some people that might seem crazy, but it's a legitimate reason. For those of you that can work in your field directly from graduation, I envy you and praise your awesomeness. I wish you all the luck in the world because YOU ROCK! For those of us who cannot work in the field you want without a higher degree (example: Psychology)... it's ok. I know you're struggling, with yourself, and with the future, but again:

YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE EVERYTHING PLANNED OUT RIGHT NOW.

You will fill out hundreds of applications, you will go to interviews, talk to different companies or what have you... but remember that this doesn't reflect who you are, just as much as standardized tests don't reflect the knowledge that you have. In this option,

1. You Will Be Rejected

2. You Will Be Overqualified

3. You Will Feel Defeated

4. You Can't Let That Stop You

Maybe you feel like your world is collapsing because you're reaching your limit of "we went in a different direction," or "you are not the right fit for the position." IT IS OKAY! Look, I know that it sucks, I know that you feel defeated, that you've spent so much time to get a degree and people continuously are not giving you the opportunity to show what you're capable of, give it time. I know, I deeply know that your heart is fleeting, and you're trying to figure out what good there is in the world, but don't let them beat you down. You are worth the time. You are worth hiring. YOU WILL MAKE IT!

If you went with Option 3, why have I not seen pictures of your animals? This is a real concern here. But really... if you did choose option 3, or maybe none of the above, you should still feel proud of what you've already accomplished. You're awesome regardless.

Graduating is scary. It has always been scary, but you're not alone out here. We are all trying to swim in a place that people throw bricks at us. Don't sink friends, you can do this. Just believe that nothing can stop you from succeeding, I mean... look at you thus far, you're already kicking ass.