By Jessica Phillipe

Congratulations! You have hit another major milestone in this journey called life – a college degree! After all the late nights of studying and long days filled with classes, you can finally breathe.

Whether you secured full-time employment and/or admissions into a graduate program or not, please know everything will be okay. When I graduated with my undergraduate degree, I did not have anything lined up, and I was scared. My vision of what my life was supposed to be after I graduated and my reality looked completely different. I did not have a job offer, and I did not plan to go to graduate school.

I’m not a procrastinator. As my senior semester dwindled down, I had been trying to find a job. I had a great resume, went to all the career fairs and information sessions, and was actively applying for open positions. I even made it to the final round for a few jobs. Despite all the rejections and disappointed, I knew I would be okay. Eventually, I got an opportunity from my part-time job in undergrad and worked my way into a salaried position at a place that I love. It took patience, determination, hard work and faith in myself.

As you graduate, you may be able to relate to my story. Over the years, I learned as long as I kept taking every day at a time, it will all work out. Opportunities will come when you least expect it, and it is okay to not have an answer. I don’t know where I will end up in ten years and what job I will have, but I’d like to think it is the small steps, moments, and connections on the way that truly makes up our journey. Congratulations on graduating, and I wish you all nothing but luck and success on your journey!