It is a feeling of pride and joy when one goes up on stage and receive their college diploma. Our minds dream of the ideal future where a career will start right after obtaining that paper of certification that has caused sweat and tears for the last 4 years of higher education. However, that is a scenario that is too good to be true and in reality can cause the recent college graduate to be in a slump.
For myself, having just graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Comparative World Literature, I imagine that I will be able to get a paying job right away along with a freelance writing gig. But, that was just all a vision that was too good to be true. Instead, I ended up having a hard time to adjust to not having to go to school anymore and being on the constant lookout for job opportunities. There have been times where I had to deal with major anxiety and stress until the point that I was thinking that my constant hard work was for nothing. As someone who deals with both anxiety and OCD, the day by day battle with doubt of my future has been a tearful struggle and questioning if I was going to make it in this new stage of my life.
But, I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel, so I vow never to give up and just remain hopeful. In addition, to take each day one step at a time. Also, for college seniors who are about to graduate in the upcoming semester, it is important to stay on top of deadlines and not leaving all graduation applications until the last minute. Starting early on these tasks is a good idea, it will create less stress and will not interfere with other obligations like completing class assignments.
Honestly, this time after college has allowed me positives including reigniting old hobbies and interests like collecting crystals and going out to find rocks at the beach. Also, I am able to go out more often and connect with nature through feeding the birds at the park. These experiences have created new memories that am sure will aid in story ideas for my writing and also most importantly make me grow as a creative and passionate individual. It is also not a bad idea to think about going back to school after graduating college to get an additional degree to boost chances of being more successful in the job market. Of course, it does not hurt to take a break after college, as it is what I’m doing right now, but eventually there needs to be a plan in the long run.
For me, I am thinking of going back to school to get a certificate in library information technology, as I found my couple experiences working in a library environment to be enjoyable and I want to continue honing my library knowledge and skills. In addition, I have background in the literary field with my studies in Comparative World Literature so it could be of use when I am working in the library field of work. During my time off, I also started to volunteer at my local children’s book donation facility. Through volunteering, I was able to learn more about interacting with others and learning about giving back to my community and to those in need. I suffer from social anxiety and the opportunity to make a difference while interacting with others has helped with my confidence in human interaction in society. I also have just joined as a contributor writer for Anxiety for Teens, hence this is my first article. I am honored to be writing for this great resource for teens and young adults, and I think this will be also a great way to hone my social skills in communicating with others that are going through similar hardships of mental health. Overall, getting yourself out there whether it be through volunteering outside or virtually can be a great benefit for getting a sense of accomplishment to combat the feeling of emptiness and boredom during time after graduating college.
I know it could be overwhelming and scary to think about time after college, but I guarantee that there are numerous ways to make the time and experience enjoyable based on our own intuitions. Don’t ever give up your dreams and remember there is no one alone in figuring out what to do next after completing the journey through education.
By: Kristy Tahmazian, Anxiety In Teens Contributor