This isn't going to feel like a high school graduation. No, by the end of high school, I had a plan. I knew what I was going to major in and my career path in law was set.
This time, it's different. And I'm terrified. No one told me that your twenties would be this cruel.
Once I hear, "Congratulations Class of 2017!" and throw my cap in the air -- just kidding, I worked hard decorating it. If I throw it, I know I'm not getting it back -- I just know, I'm doomed. Because as soon I step off that stage, I feel like my surroundings are going to look a lot like the fiery pits of hell, with people smoking their cigarettes while they maniacally laugh at you as you walk by. They'll all look at me like I'm this fragile human being. Worthless. As if I'm not smart enough to get a job in this world.
For the first time in my life, I don't have a set plan. And maybe you have a plan once you leave college, and maybe you don't; regardless, I think it's safe to say the real world is scary. So far, all I know is that I'm going to take the year off to just LIVE my life before I go to law school. Explore the world, and try new things. But I worry. I worry about not knowing whether I have made the right decision in taking a gap year and I worry about finding a job I love while I have the time off, but most of all, I worry about wasting that time. What's worse is that when my friends start talking about their plans, there's a part of me that feels ashamed because I’m that person that's not going to law school straight after graduation. So I just emotionally shut down - typical.
But then I remind myself that the fear I have is probably a good thing. I'm taking a risk and whether it ends up being a mistake or not, I'm going to learn from this and it's going to be beneficial. And for those who also share my concerns, I encourage you to go speak to your mentor or professor. Their guidance will ease your worries, trust me. I've learned that you don't always need a set plan. Opportunities will come to you when you least expect it.
As cheesy as this sounds, I'm ready to open my mind, my soul. I'm going to take this opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and do things I never thought I'd be able to do. I'm ready to embark on this journey. Who knows what will happen. I'm just going to do this one step at a time.
Here goes nothing!
