Life after college: Is anyone as freaked out as I am?

Photo Courtesy: Jenee Matthew

It’s safe to say after four years of college, I’m not ready to grow up. I’m not ready. But, who ever is?

I want to be happy because in a little more than 50 days I’ll be receiving the degree I worked excruciatingly for. But, as graduation approaches, I constantly find myself having emotional and nervous breakdowns.

I’m irritated because majority of my friends have a complete outline of their plans after graduation, while I haven’t even scheduled graduation pictures. The thought of paying bills, being completely responsible for myself, and moving to an unfamiliar city to basically start life over is terrifying.

Khadijah Johnson, FAMU alumna, shared her experience after graduating.

“I applied to Emory Healthcare multiple times before graduation and didn’t receive a call back so I accepted a job that wasn’t necessarily in my field,” Johnson said. “Almost a year and two jobs later, I am finally able to say I am working my dream job and all I had to do was be a little patient and have faith that things will fall into place.”

Am I really ready for life after graduation? Everyone keeps asking, What’s next? Do you have any plans after graduation? Where are you going? And do you have anything set up?

If you are in your last semester or year of college, these antagonizing questions have probably haunted your thoughts. They’ve probably, undoubtedly added to your anxiety of life after college. It's time to face the truth and find an answer to those questions however.

You really don’t know, and that’s okay. According to a poll from Twentysomething Inc. reported on Time, over 85 percent of college graduates don’t know what they are doing after college. At least you’re not alone.

As the fear of the unknown consumes my daily thoughts and life seems to be moving faster than I can prepare for, I remember that I serve a God that is greater than every fear I have. Take comfort in Jeremiah 29:11 and that he has already planned a life for you.

It is okay to be scared but don’t let your fears stop you from the rest of your life. Don't be afraid to take that leap. Apply to that dream job you don't feel qualified for. Move to that city you’ve always been in love with. Enjoy the little moments because you won’t get them back.

Stop worrying. Take a deep breath. You will never fully be ready. You will mess up. You will make mistakes. You will forget things. You will accept a job that you don't know how to do. You will do things wrong.

You will fail, but most importantly, you will be okay.