So you’re graduating from College…

College Graduation is an exciting occasion! Your hard work has finally paid off. All of the papers, tests, quizzes, and other schoolwork, completely done. This is the first step into actual adulthood. That means once you get a job you’ll be (more) financially stable and not need to eat pizza or ramen every night. It means no more finals, papers, or stressing over grades. Graduation also means you’ll be able to eventually live on your own and be completely independent. Maybe even own a dog sometime in the near future!

But for some people who may struggle with change, college graduation is terrifying. When you graduate, everything changes, and you are completely out of your comfort zone. It is very hard to say goodbye to those groups of friends you made. Also, it will be hard adjusting to not having to be involved in school organizations that you have made your mark in. But most of all, you fear losing your friends, and don’t like the idea of everyone else having fun without you. You’re going to miss your friends that you made during your time in college. But like high school, your true friends will stay by your side and the rest will fizzle away. Such is life.

I am one of these people who struggle with change. I cried when I left 1st grade...5th grade, 8th grade, high school, and now college. I will always be this person and it is something I have accepted at this point. I get emotional when I think of leaving everything I worked hard to create and be a part of. Choirs, clubs, sports teams and more, it is always hardest for me to leave these groups behind. However, I realize that if I never left these things when I was younger, I would have never been able to grow and have the great experiences which have shaped me as a person.

So if you're anything like me, take a breath. Get used to answering the question, "Any jobs lined up?!," By everyone that you meet. It’s going to be okay. All of the 2016 Graduates are in the same boat. Just remember, change is good. Try and adapt with your surroundings and evolve into a semi-adult with a job. When you graduate you’re still going to be you. Your friends will still remember you, and go for the huge hug/ scream when they see you next. You can still visit and plan hangouts with your college friends! We are very lucky to be living in the age of social media where we can stay connected to everyone, so it isn’t goodbye, it’s more like a “see you later.”

Here's to a happy future... Congratulations Class of 2016!