By: Soraya Herbert

That was the overwhelming thought running through my head on the day I walked across the stage and received my diploma in mass communications from Texas State University. As I said goodbye to my friends and professors, I felt terrified about closing this chapter and opening a new chapter… in the real world. You don’t realize it till it’s over, but all I’ve known is school, for the past 18 years of my life my education has been my focus.

Tossing my cap in the air, and smiling along with the other graduates, there were no feelings of great elation or relief among all the hugs and cheers. Instead in the pit of my stomach, there was a feeling of total panic and fear of the unknown. If you’re a 90’s kids like yours truly, then you remember Lizzie Mcguire; when she freaks out and the animated version of herself gets to panic and completely freakout…that was me!

Of course I was happy to be done with school, but there was something pulling at me. Every hug and congratulations on my graduation was complete with the question “What are your plans?”, I didn’t even have my real diploma in hand, just a tea stain piece of paper in a fancy folder!

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So I graduated, now what? It has been 46 days since I graduated college and let’s just say…it’s hard out here for a pimp.

I want to start a new series on my blog (Now What?) solely dedicated to college…the do’s the dont’s, tips, hacks, crazy stories and more!

There are so many blogs and tips for what you should be doing after you graduate but none of them actually detail what I am feeling right now.

Frustration, sadness, happiness, confusion; honestly I am a bag full of prescription drugs.

Now don’t twist my words. I understand that completing your undergraduate degree is an amazing accomplishment and I thank the Lord every day for allowing me to do it, but now what?

Some of my fellow “colleagues” (so weird to say that), were blessed enough to have jobs right out the gate, and I wish them nothing but success in their life, but where is mine?

Nothing makes me more frustrated than hearing, “You are so smart and talented, I know you’re going to amazing things!”

Not to be a brat or sound ungrateful, but…that’s all great and dandy, it’s just unfortunate that those “amazing things”, have yet to happen.

I have been on a roller coaster of emotions these past few weeks; trying to get my life together and be an “adult”.

What does that even mean? Being an adult. What makes you an “adult”?  Is it just turning 18 years old or is there a better definition?

Let’s turn to the professional, Merriam Webster.

Thank you, Merriam Webster