Student Q: What happens after you graduate college, like seriously?

A lot of questioning of yourself and your abilities, but ultimately a lot of growth. I think when we graduate college we tend to measure our success by the people around us or our friends—try not to do this. I know it’s easier said than done, but you’re save yourself a lot of time. Know that you’re running your race and the only competition you have is yourself. The other major thing that happens is you outgrow some of your friendships. It can be hard at times to come to the realization that your relationship with people (who were once your ride or die) are changing either due to distance, different motivations in life, or just growing apart. More friends will come. – Charnele Luster

Well…. six months after you graduate (if you’re not in school again) you have to start paying back your student loans, which really sucks! The February of my senior year of undergrad I already had a teaching job lined up that started that August and I had been accepted to a Master’s program that started in May. So, for me, after I graduated I started school again immediately and simultaneously started working full-time. – Jessica Sierk

After I graduated from college I was a lost soul, my father had passed away unexpectedly and I did not know what I wanted to do when I grew up.  I worked as an Activities Director for a nursing home, and then later fell into my teaching career as I did not initial study to be a teacher.  It definitely forced me to make decisions that I was not prepared to tackle but it made me a better person.  I have always worked so I was not afraid of going into the work force, but it was the fear of not knowing what was coming ahead.  Now, I embrace every challenge that I encounter and try to see the best in everything and keep a positive outlook. –Sharmela

After graduation, a lot of things can happen. For me, graduate school was the best option and I started looking into my graduate schools at the end of my sophomore year. This was really early by many standards, but I was much better prepared and even got an assistantship to help me pay for school.  -Maverick