Graduating can feel both exciting and disorienting, even under normal circumstances. While our everyday lives continue to be affected by COVID-19, taking time to figure out your next step can feel a little overwhelming.听Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)听shares听insight into starting this next part of the journey.
Getting oriented
Matt Tomatz, a counselor at CAPS, knows how unfamiliar things can seem when you go from your student life听to whatever comes next. His top piece of advice is a classic: Give yourself time for things to take shape.
No matter what kind of life transitions you鈥檙e going through, you need time to figure out what things will look like. If you鈥檙e moving, this may mean finding new landmarks and favorite spots that will make the new place feel like home; in a new job or school, this may mean making new social connections to create听a sense of community.
Nothing happens overnight, but when you take consistent action and go at a steady pace, you can become comfortable even when things feel uncertain. Post-graduation life is a chance to shape how you view and interact with the world, establish听new routines and create a new relationships and experiences听on your own terms.
Shifting identities
Finding your place when you don鈥檛 have an identity like 鈥渃ollege student鈥� to use can be a little unsettling, but it鈥檚 also a great chance to develop your sense of self. Now is the time to ask yourself: What do you like?听What鈥檚 shaped you into the person you are and allowed you to come this far? What is most important to you? What do you want to be about?
As you answer these questions, you can get clear on what you want to do, how you want to live, and who you want in your circle of friends. Without the pressure to fit your old role (or even fit into a听new one too soon), you听get the freedom to explore and be curious. Over time, as you settle into your post-graduation identity, things start to feel more natural. You can befriend new people and colleagues from all walks of life, find your place in a new city or just start a new hobby.
Making the most of now
As you approach graduation, you听have the opportunity to听utilize the resources available as you become Forever Buffs. Get virtually connected with Career Services to go over your r茅sum茅, practice interviewing, identify your strengths and explore possible pathways.
If you feel anxious during the transition, remember that听this will pass.
