Lost in Transition: Coping with Post- Graduation Depression
Congratulations are in order to the graduate class of 2024! Get it sexy!! On May 8th, it made 2 years since I graduated with my undergrad degree from the illustrious Hampton University. College was a ball. Despite the global pandemic that did a good job at really f*cking up a year and a half of my college tenure, I had an amazing time. I was in a 2 mile radius of all of my closest friends, I was apart of organizations that were fun and exciting, and one thing you will learn about me is that, I am a reformed party animal (who still indulges from time to time)-- and college had me feeling like a kid in a candy store.
As exciting as graduation is, the commencement of a time in your life, the closing of a chapter and the beginning of a new one, there is also this looming sense of fear and uncertainty that we don't talk about enough. For the girlies who aren't going right back to school, this will be our first time outside of an educational setting. And this transition is scary for several reasons. We have just spent the last 17 to 18 years of our lives in institution, and being a student is literally apart of our identity. When we transition away, we are left to figure out who we are outside of educational parameters.
On top of that, we are leaving an environment where friendships were easily accessible, and now the people you spent the last 4 years with are scattered maybe across the state, but very likely across the country. And then there's just the largest elephant in the room, which is career uncertainty. We are literally just girls and now we are just girls working BIG GIRL JOBS... that's actually terrifying. Some of us are fortunate to know our career path and what is next for us, but some of us aren't. Some of us have no idea. Some of us are moving across the country to a job we don't even know if we will like or want (ME), and some of us haven't even found a job yet and are moving back home to figure it out.
No matter where you are in this journey, It's just critical to remember a few things.
Give Yourself Grace: It's okay to not have it all figured out. It's okay if we aren't sure, and if we have been interviewing and nothing is sticking.
Don't Compare Your Journey: What's meant for us will find us. It's so easy to look at our peers during this time and feel down on ourselves and our situations. Just know if good things are happening to the people around you, that just means God is in the neighborhood. Stay prayed up and consistent and know that your time is soon.
Focus on Your Growth: Use this time to work on personal development and skills that can enhance your career prospects. Consider taking online courses and workshops to expand your knowledge.
Lean on your support systems: Whether it's your mother, your friends, or a therapist (always highly recommending), they can provide valuable perspective and help you navigate this transitional period in your life. Don't hesitate to reach out and lean on them for support. Remember, you're not alone, and there are people who care about you and want to see you succeed.
Practice Gratitude: It's so easy to let a bad moment cloud your judgement, and make you feel like you have a bad life. Focus on the positives in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift your mindset toward appreciation.
Take Care of Yourself: Amidst the hustle and bustle of transitioning into the working world, don't forget to prioritize self-care. Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Stay Open-Minded: Our first job most likely will not be our dream jobs. The career path may not always look the way you imagined, and that's okay. We have to try and stay open-minded to new opportunities and experiences that come our way.
Celebrate Your Accomplishments: You literally just graduated college, that is a huge fete in itself. Take the time to celebrate how far you've come and all that you've achieved. Recognize your strengths and the unique qualities that make you who you are and got you this far.
Embrace Uncertainty: Instead of fearing the unknown, we have to see it as an opportunity for growth and exploration. Embrace the chance to try new things and discover what truly excites you.
So for all the girls who don't have everything figured out right now. Your journey is unique, and your path will unfold in its own time. Keep moving forward, and trust that brighter days are ahead.
