Graduation: What do we do afterward?

It’s my final month at Oakland University, and I’m not quite sure how I feel about it.

On one hand, I have a severe case of Senioritis and have been dreaming of the day Dr. Youngblood hands me that piece of paper that says I made it. 

On the other hand, I’ve been going to school since I was four years old, what am I supposed to do next?

Move away? Get a full-time job? Get married?

I feel like I’m too young for all of those things, I’m only 21.

I’m sure many seniors are facing this elephant in the room, just like me. I’m sure many have faced it before, and many will face it in the future.

That elephant’s name is “What the hell are we supposed to do after we graduate?”

I’d imagine the experience will be somewhat anticlimactic. I’ll be happy and proud for a while. Then one day I’ll realize I’m trapped in a mysterious, unknowable void.

For example, I’ve written articles for The Post every week for the past year. I’ve worked around the clock for this publication. I have learned a lot about journalism in the process, and I am proud of myself for working so hard. The scary thing is, after April 26, I could go days, weeks, months or years without writing anything. I may never write anything again.

I’d like to be a reporter one day, but until then, I have no idea what to do.

I’m staring this hulking elephant in the face, and at the same time, I feel such pure excitement to be done with all of the classes, the homework and the waking up at the crack of dawn to learn philosophy.

The last thing I want to do in the morning is sit next to some pretentious 18-year-old arguing about whether Descartes would’ve been known for his skills as a mathematician if he decided not to be a philosopher.

I’m also sick of the people who sit in the corners of classrooms and ask the stupidest questions of all time. Unfortunately, something tells me I’ll still be seeing them throughout my life.

 

I’m sure I’ll see a lot of people I don’t like after college. It’s just how the world works.

Regardless of my apathetic attitude toward certain aspects of college, I’ve accomplished a lot as a Golden Grizzly. I got my first girlfriend (yes, I’m that lame,) I’ve made friendships (not the easiest thing to do at OU,) and I’ve been the Editor-in-Chief of a college newspaper.

I’ve also gotten my heart broken, had friends betray me and made mistakes as an editor.

But in the process, I’ve learned so much.

I’ve learned about communication and journalism for the past four years, taken internships and ran a student organization.

I’ve learned more about life in these past four years than my previous 17.

I have confidence that this knowledge will help me on my path, but I still ponder what I’m supposed to do once I graduate.

The date is set for April 26, so I guess I’ll find out soon.

 

Contact Editor-in-Chief Scott Wolchek  at [email protected]