Life After Graduating College- Will I Fail? Will I Let My Family Down?

What was your major undergrad?

Biology/ Pre-Med

What was your undergrad experience like?

Overall my undergrad experience was amazing. Being at an HBCU was a great experience for me. I was apart of a couple organizations while in undergrad: Biology Club, & Beta Kappa Chi ( National Scientific Honor Society)

While walking across the stage for graduation

what were you feeling?

Walking across the stage in front of my friends, family, and classmates was an exhilarating experience for me. Walking across that stage reminded me of all the exciting college adventures I experienced; all of stressful nights I spent cramming for an exam the following day; and all of the friendships and connections that I obtained throughout my time at Tuskegee University. It was a bittersweet moment, because as much as sometimes nagged and complained about my school, there was no place that I would have rather spent my 4 years of college. It felt like everything that I did throughout my matriculation through school meant something, even if all it was at the moment was a handshake and a diploma.

It’s the day after graduation, and you’re packing up your apartment, and reflecting on life. What did you think was next for you? Are you anxious? Where are you going? Back home or are you starting fresh in a new city?

After graduation I planned to take a gap year, which is basically a year break in between college and either graduate or professional school, but I was also moving to California with my Girlfriend Reese and her family. From here I planned on studying and taking my MCAT, in hopes of getting into medical or graduate school. Which really had me anxiety on 10.

What did you feel in this moment?

Firstly, I’m moving to the other side of the country with my girlfriend’s family with a guaranteed job STILL not set in stone. Secondly, I’m 1800 miles from my family, and being so far made me fearful of all of the possibilities of being somewhere where I’m essentially alone. Finally, I was just scared. The thought of just uprooting my whole life to start completely fresh was tough to deal with. I felt that I was needed back home with my family, but I also knew that the only way I could help them, would be to help myself.

What are you doing now? Working? Or are you still relying on parents for financial support?

After graduating in May, I was able to use my degree to land me a Job by July! I work at a Biomedical company that specializes in medical device manufacturing. My specific department manufactures plastics that make up things like medical tubing, pacemakers, and even nuvarings.

What city are you in? Do you have an apartment? Do you live alone? I am currently living in the Bay Area in California. I live with my Girlfriend and her amazing family

Are you hopeful for the future? I am extremely both hopeful and optimistic about the future.

What’s next for you? Next I really want to man up and finally take my MCAT. I want to make the next transition in my life, and maybe that is what's most daunting about it. I’ve always been able to use the excuse that Im only 19, Im only 20. But at 23, I look at myself in the mirror and say “Dude, you’re a grown a** man now, it's time to start making moves now!!”. Adulthood is an inevitable challenge that at some point we all have to come into terms with, its also be a confusing and terrifying time because there are so many “What ifs?”. The beautiful thing about challenges is that usually the harder the challenge, the greater the reward. So I’m willing to accept whatever is next for me, no matter what it may be.

Are you happy? Depending on the day. Most of the time I can agree that Im Happy overall. Still, sometimes doubt creeps into my mind. Will I really achieve my goals? Will I be happy with the effort i put into my own life 5 years from now? Will I make my family proud? Will I make ME proud? These are all questions that I ask myself almost everyday, but the worst possible scenario from each of those questions, gives me the willpower and determination to guarantee those things never happen.