“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X
College was one of the most thriving, resilient, and rollercoaster experiences of my life. Going from always being at home, surrounded by family and friends, to only going away with my ex-bestie from middle school. It was an awakening path that eventually guided my decision making. It sparked my independence and determination to be the best version of myself. If I don’t show up to class in the morning, it’s my fault; if I fail, it’s my fault. Everything here is truly and solely on me, and college is the first step in laying a foundation for yourself. It is also a small bridge between high school and the real world, promoting unity, networking, and trial and error. The only thing I dislike about life after college, is that they just throw you into it, and the transition into regular life after four years of fun can be a challenge and a difficult adjustment.
“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” — Vincent Van Gogh
The most important thing to remember is that everyone has their own path and PACE. Everyone’s post-grad life is different; some have jobs lined up, while others are looking for work. Some are attempting to determine the next step. The jump into “adult life” is a huge transition for anyone to encounter. The other day, I had just gone to see one of my best friends who had graduated and the conversation opened my eyes and made me realize something. She said, “Wow, Dre I’m really back here in the hood like I’m never going back to Cortland”. I could feel the trap or fear as I walked into the Brooklyn-based building of being back home. An environment that one is trying to get away from becomes her main reality again. Is it really her fault yet again?Absolutely not. No one can control the environment or family they were born into. These realizations seem to be becoming more and more common when returning back home. I went over to her and held her so tight, tight like in the grasp of a baby holding on to its mother. I told her, as long as you trust in God, Everything will fall into place. Do not start out your summer negatively. Be proud that you have just accomplished something that most people do not. I told her, “The privilege of even attending college as a black student is breaking barriers, let alone even graduating.”Use this time to determine which path is best for you. You may have to try different routes until you find the right one. College connections can always be useful tool. Once that degree is obtained, you can use it to flourish in the world.
“You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” — Oprah Winfrey
Post-grad depression is when this unbearable sadness and confusion comes after their time at college has ended. One may lose motivation to get a job, while others may feel loneliness and begin to form a negative perspective on life. Not everyone is comfortable being able to share these struggles because graduation is seen as such an American societal norm. A norm that is seen as a great time, which makes any individual ashamed. College is a temporary time that is hard to leave, and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to leave the social life and freedom? Do not let social media portray where you should be. People will post what they want you to see. As I stated above, the important thing is for one to keep themselves positive and find the course of their own life. I also say to also go for your actual dreams and do what you love over money. A lot of people get jobs with their degrees and are not actually happy; money can’t buy you happiness.
I encourage graduates and future graduates to look deeper within themselves when deciding which path is best for them. Remember all the tools and networking from school and use them out in the world. Now is your chance to shine! Plan your life’s success based on your own happiness and your own needs without looking towards others and what they’re doing. Everyone has different routes, and each path is different. You have to take life at your own pace.