Dear Class of 2014: Everything Is Going To Be Alright

Dear Class of 2014,

For many of you, graduation is quickly approaching. Your countdown is slimming by the day, from 70 days to 25 or just a few. So far, you’ve picked up your cap and gown, sent out graduation invitations and maybe even taken some senior pictures.

However, there might be something kind of important that you’re failing to consider: your future plans. Well, the time has come. Consider the following:

You Do Not Have A Job

It's okay. Yes, it's totally acceptable not to have a job lined up after you graduate. You’ve been going to school for, well, most of your life. For the first time in forever, you do not have to go to school.

Also, you will likely be working for the rest of your life. Relax and breathe. You have a college degree; many people never go on to finish college.

Figure out whatever you need to do to get by; working at a coffee shop for a bit while you get your life together doesn’t mean that you’ll be a barista for the rest of your life. You’re young; take the time to smell the roses that surround you.

You Are Not Getting Married

So what? Do not regard being single as a negative. Being single is awesome! I know it may appear as though it’s most common to meet a spouse while in college, but this is simply not true.

You will find the person with whom you are supposed to spend your life whenever it’s right, which isn't necessarily within that four-year range.

So, try not to worry because you are a bridesmaid in five weddings this June and there is still no ring on your finger.

For now, you can spend your money on fun things, like clothes, a new car, music festivals and alcohol! Be carefree and true to yourself, and soon, good stuff will fall into place.

You Are Not Going To Graduate School

Graduate school is not for everyone, especially if you have no idea what you want to be when you grow up.

Do not go to graduate school simply because you do not want to face the adulthood that looms before you. It's expensive and crazy time-consuming, so only go if it will help you land the job of your dreams.

You Have A Job, But It Is Not Your Dream Job

Experience: Your first job is all about gaining it. Your dream job probably requires three to five years of experience or seven to 10 years of experience.

As long as you keep the end goal in mind, you’ll get there! Be patient and get those first years of what can sometimes be excruciating experience under your belt.

You Are Going To Have To Move Home

While this may seem like the most loser-ish thing to do, moving home is actually not a bad idea. You would likely get to live there for free, have a couple of meals cooked for you and search for jobs on your parents WiFi! This is a great way to save some money, so do not panic if you have to move back home for a bit.

Class of 2014, I beg you, do not qualify your worth based on what your friends or other people in your graduating class are doing in this next phase of life.

You are worth something, regardless of anyone else. The future is scary and uncertain, but do not fret; you are not alone.

Cheers,

A Class of 2013 Graduate

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