I want to open by firstly saying congratulations to the many new graduates that are preparing to or that have already walked across the stage. That moment is one that you will never forget that is accompanied by a feeling that is extremely hard to describe. You did it. The late nights of partying studying, sitting through countless lectures, and doing your best on your final exams have all paid off. This is your moment to enjoy and cherish. There are many responsibilities that loom over your head like dark clouds once the smoke from graduation clears. Things like loans, a job, and a place to live all haunt your thoughts at every innocent moment of relaxation. Some are lucky enough to have it all secured before graduation or shortly after, but for others, the search can lead to a sense of terror post-graduation. I’m here to offer a bit of advice and share some kind words that I think can help calm whatever nerves may be bothering you a few days removed from graduation.

Don’t panic. Very easy for me to say right? But honestly, I think panicking is what leads to most of our post-grad woes. Sure, there are a plethora of responsibilities that come with graduating college, but to panic only makes matters worse. Take a breath. Everything will fall into place as it should. Do have a sense of urgency, but panicking and stressing over what former classmates are doing after college and comparing that to your own situation is extremely fugazi.

Take a break from social media for awhile after graduation as you prepare for your next chapter. Instagram after graduation gets cliché af. It is like a revolving door of everyone trying to one-up everyone else. Oh, you got a new puppy? Well, I got a new car. Oh, you moved to NYC? Well, I’m homeless in Brooklyn. Oh, you’re an engineer at Microsoft? Well, I’m an entrepreneur and I don’t see how yall do that 9 to 5 shit. It gets crazy over there dawg trust me. But once you are back from your little break then you get your own turn to stunt on all your ex-classmates if you’re feeling petty.

Utilize your support system if you have one. I’m really not sure where this stigma came from of being horrified to move back home for awhile to figure things out. Sometimes I wish I would have gone home for a bit after wrapping up college. I think that black graduates especially feel they have to get shit popping as soon as they finish posing for that photo after grabbing their degree holder. Its understandable I mean that man is leading the country and you never know what’s going to happen next but I for one find it weird how a lot of our white counterparts are out here traveling and exploring new hobbies while we’re just out here trying to stay afloat. So I’m here to say if you’re able to go home and figure things out, do it. If you want to backpack through Europe and you’re able to do so, do it. Someone told me once how we have our whole lives after college to figure things out, and I’m finally starting to believe it. Don’t plan to have it all figured out a year removed from college, this universe is weird and you will be surprised how things work out.

I hope this blog finds all my new graduates in a good place. Your mental health is important always but especially after graduation. Life after graduation is fun but at times can be very shocking and depressing. This is a time of immense change and you’d be surprised how easy it is to become derailed. Stay focused and determined, but remember that you have time. Lastly, I hope you guys didn’t skip too many 8 AM classes, because life after college is really just waking up for an 8 AM class for the rest of your life. Too soon?

Yours Truly,

Joe.