Dear Almost Graduate,

Here we are gearing up on your last or second to last semester and now you’re faced with a big decision. Is it time for the real world? Or is time for grad school? For me, it’s time for the real world. I’ve been in school for the past 18 years of my life; I think it’s about time for a little break. While most of us may feel so old because we are about to graduate college, we are still so young — we just have a degree now. At this point the possibilities are endless. But what’s next?

Some people are looking for internships at their dream organizations, some people are bartenders and servers for the time being and some people are saving up and trying to travel the world before they settle down in their adult life. Ultimately, the decision is up to you on where you go after you walk off that stage with degree in hand.

Do not freak out after graduation. No matter what, remain calm and keep a clear head. Not everything you want to happen right after graduation is going to happen. You’ve been in the same place now for four years (or more) and now you’re done with that chapter of your life. It’s time for change, while that is scary, it’s time.

Do not fear rejection. Graduating college and going out into the work force is intimidating and most of the older generation is not going to take you seriously. That is when it is time to take it into your own hands and make them take you seriously. In the grand scheme of applying for jobs, you are not going to be offered every single one you apply for. You may not possess skills that certain jobs need. If they do not extend you a job offer, that’s okay, still try for the next interview. Unfortunately, rejection is a part of life, but we need rejection so that it can lead us on to bigger and better things.

Never stop chasing your dream. Even if your dream seems unimaginable still go after it and give if everything you got. People laughed in Bill Gates’ face when he told them his dream and now he’s one of the wealthiest people in the world because he never gave up. Find something that you are going to wake up every day and look forward to.

Never settle. Settling is one thing our generation has a problem with. We settle for jobs that we aren’t happy with, we settle in relationships that do not make us happy and we always seem to use the phrase “It’s just easy." I’m here to tell you to stop. Life is going to get hard but don’t settle on something because it’s easy, go after what you want even if it is hard and even if you don’t get it, you can still say you tried.

Never give up on yourself. You will be successful. It’s your time to be selfish and figure life out for you. Happy graduation!