Lately, I’ve been doing a fair amount of freaking out–in writing, in my head, in conversation–and I’ve been discovering I’m not the only one. Many of my friends have been experiencing similar emotions to mine as we look forward to graduation. Some of them have plans, be they further schooling, marriage, or part-time jobs, but in general, none of us feel like we have things figured out.
So I can’t help but wondering…WHY DIDN’T SOMEONE WARN US?
When I graduated from high school, people talked about the change of going from high school to college. It was a big change, not only in location as I moved into the dorms, but also in the way my schooling was conducted. Still, it was going from one type of school to another type of school.
Now, as I prepare to leave the world of schooling behind (quite possibly for good) and (maybe eventually) join the workforce, no one seems to be talking about it nearly as much. I knew the transition was going to be rough, but I have been surprised by both the breadth and the depth of the emotions I been feeling over this change. Based on conversations I’ve been having, I’m not alone in this.
Why the silence on the issue then? Maybe not complete silence, as I’m sure there are books and blogs on the topic out there somewhere, but it’s definitely not a “roar”…more like a whisper.
On Monday I was introduced to someone at my internship who has worked there for several years. She told me a bit about her job, because I curious about what she does there, but we also talked a bit how I don’t know what I’m going to do after graduating. Although she graduated several years ago, she told me she remembers feeling completely out of sorts when she did, not knowing how to NOT be a student after being one all her life. It’s a feeling I’m familiar with; I have it right now.
I just wish someone would have warned me.
Perhaps that’s one of the reasons I keep writing about my freaking out, uncertainty, fear, and bits of excitement and joy over graduating. Honestly, part of it’s purely selfish–writing helps me process things. Without it, my brain would probably explode. But maybe by sharing, I can give words to feelings others may not know how to express, or may not even have realized yet. Maybe that’s the whole point of writing in general. Maybe if I don’t, no one else will.
Til next time…
~Brianna!~
The Art of Becoming 
Brianna – I felt the same way! The late 20s is so much different from the early 20s! And no one talks about it. Don’t be surprised or discouraged. It’s just the way it is. Launching yourself – for real – without the safety net of school is tough and takes time.
It seems like everybody I talk to says, “I felt the same way,” which at least helps get rid of the feeling of being completely alone. If I don’t know what I’m doing, it’s nice to know I am/was in good company at least. =) Thanks for stopping by!