Dear Graduate,

Congratulations! The moment you have been dreaming about for years is finally here. You never thought this day would come, yet here it is. You've spent countless hours preparing for this moment, but now that it's here, it seems unreal.

Where did the time go? One day you're sitting in kindergarten and the next you're sitting in your cap and gown, waiting for your name to be called. The excitement that you are feeling is such a high, and yet there's a bit of panic deep inside. What now? Where to go from here? You may know what your plan is after graduation, or you may not. Either way, I'm here to tell you that it's okay.

It's okay if you don't have a clue about where you want to go to college, or what you want to do with your life. It's normal to be confused and to be hesitant. You want to be sure that you make the right decision with your life, and that's fine. You're not the only one who feels this way, and you certainly will not be the last.

It's OK if you take a semester off. Whether it's because you want to work more beforehand, or if you just feel like you need a break, it's fine. People may judge you or tell you that you'll fall behind, but this is your life. You are an adult, and these decisions are what you think is best for yourself.

It's OK if you don't go to a huge university. Some people do better in smaller environments, and some don't. You know what works for you. Just because you go to a technical school does not mean that you will not receive a good education.

It's OK if you don't go to a party school, but it's also OK if you do. It doesn't make you "cool" if you do (or don't party), because no matter where you go, the opportunity will arise. You can make the decision once the time comes. Either way, it all comes down to you prioritizing no matter where you are.

It's OK if you go to school out of state. Your high school friends may not be around, and it will definitely be a new environment, but don't let any of that stop you. Traveling can be so rewarding, and there are so many people that you will get to meet.

It's also OK if you go to a school in your hometown. You don't have to leave the place you call home. You can still enjoy your college experience without traveling 50+ miles away. You will still meet so many new people and make so many amazing memories, and it will be nice to know that your parents are close by in case you need them.

The point is no matter what you choose to do, it will all be OK. You may not have the slightest idea of what you want to do with your life, but it's also OK if you have every detail mapped out in your brain. You have come so far already, so congratulations. You have achieved a goal that has been set for you since birth. Now you just have to go out and do something with it.

Sincerely,

A Former Graduate