Since graduating from The University of Texas last weekend, I am still in total disbelief that the past four amazing years of college are completely finished. No more all-nighters, sorority events or all-day tailgates. Can't say I'm going to miss the all-nighters, but losing everything else that made these past four years so special makes me unbelievably sad. I knew the day when I had to step out into the "real world" would eventually come, but I just didn't realize how quickly it would happen.
I've read many "motivational" articles and speeches to the Class of 2013 over the past few weeks that have attempted to make me feel better about graduation, but have just made me even more fearful for my unknown future. No words of wisdom can truly prepare someone for the moment they realize they are about to be completely on their own after over two decades of being taken care of. I've had an idea of where my path is heading my entire life, but now that path could not be more unclear.
Despite all of my nostalgia for my college years and fear for what lies ahead, I am trying to be hopeful. For all the uncertainty of the future, there is so much room for excitement. Many people are moving to new cities and accepting full-time positions at the company of their dreams. Some, like me, are taking it slow and easing the transition from school to work by taking a trip or catching up on much-needed missed sleep by simply relaxing.
I've always wanted to go abroad but didn't have the courage to do it while I was in school for fear that I would miss out on so much and miss my family and friends even more during the long semesters. So, the one thing I wanted to do after graduation was travel to Europe. I am blessed to have been granted that wish and will be leaving the U.S. in a few weeks to travel with my mom to Barcelona, Rome, Florence, Paris and London. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I can't wait to document.
Post-grad life for me has given me a lot of time to reflect on other things I wish I had done over the past four years. So far, none of these things have been regrets because I realize I am still able to do many of them now. One thing I wish I had done was to keep up with a blog. I started multiple blogs in college, but never really had time to keep them up-to-date. Now that I no longer have to study (weird!) I have plenty of time to dedicate to blogging.
Ultimately, my writing will be about a multitude of topics and will be a place for me to document my experiences and feelings as I wade through the chaos of post-grad life.
It's going to be a long, bumpy ride but I'm ready to go!
~ Kelsey
