Making decisions about life after Wofford

“It’s that time of year,” is a phrase I’ve been hearing consistently over the past few months. Surprisingly, it is not within the context of Christmas or Thanksgiving season, depending on which side of the debate you are. Instead, most people saying this are seniors and they’re referring to the time of year dedicated to figuring out their futures.

While some have already secured a future job, received acceptance into graduate school or committed to traveling or volunteering after graduation, many are still searching for their place in the world. Even those who do know what they are doing after graduation may still be wondering about their futures.

Life after graduation can be scary – for most of us, it’s the first time we’re really being thrown into the real world without the comfort of parents, a college campus or a set plan. Yet, it’s also one of the most exciting times of life. It’s easy to get caught up in a set narrative: choose strategic internships at every possible moment, make strong connections in college, secure a job or graduate school by senior year fall, start real life immediately after graduation.

While this plan works well for some, it’s important to remember that this is not the onlyoption. As young, recent graduates, we have the advantage of a strong degree from Wofford, fewer obligations than we may have later in life and the wealth of time. The job we get right after school doesn’t have to be the perfect career-starting position. We don’t have to attend graduate school right away or choose this path just because others are. It’s also okay to accept a job that is not ideal to save money, pay off loans or plan for travel. 

The beautiful thing about life after Wofford is that it’s open to many different possibilities. I believe college is intended to be an investment in knowledge and a tool for the future, not a restraint that fuels stress about post-graduation plans. 

I recently attended a round-table discussion with Major Garrett, an established journalist currently working with CBS news, who described the experience of planning for the future. He explained that 20 years from now, every decision within a career seems strategic and well-planned, all leading to the moment of achieving that perfect position. However, he continued, in the moment, those decisions are not strategic.

I felt it was important to include this because while it seems like every choice, in the moment, needs to be directed toward an end goal of an ideal career or lifestyle, that is not necessarily the case. Those people who have been successful and achieved the goals we dream of did not anticipate each choice leading to that moment, but rather made decisions based on their current needs and situations.

The point is that right now is the only time we truly have control over. So, take a deep breath and focus on what you can control, in this moment.