What Comes Next

When I submitted my enrollment deposit to William & Mary in 2011, the notion of graduating college seemed impossibly foreign. I assumed that twenty-two year olds were mature and collected; my post-graduation daydreams included vague ideas of lavishly furnished apartments, chic pencil skirts, and a self-assuredness that is far from the way I currently feel, three months out from graduation.

The thing is, I don’t know where I’m going from here.

Second semester of senior year is the proving ground for what we have accomplished within the last three years on this campus. It’s when long nights pay off in the form of graduate school acceptances, internships become jobs, and philanthropic commitments become admission to Teach for America and the Peace Corps. It’s also when countless seniors hold their breaths as job applications are submitted, not knowing where or if we will land after graduation; unsure if the childhood careers we envisioned will look anything like our ultimate destinations (admittedly, I wanted to be a princess when I grew up—the odds of that happening are slim).

This year, I’ve seen some of my closest friends achieve immense recognition for their efforts as undergraduate students. My roommate recently accepted a fully-funded MBA program at Texas Christian University; another close friend was admitted to Yale on full scholarship for a six-year Ph.D. program. Still more of my friends have signed full-time job offers with nationally renowned companies. Watching my college family take their places at some of the best graduate, veterinary, and medical schools has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my senior year. For me, it is simply further evidence of the incredible education William & Mary provides, and the impressive futures our graduates will undertake.

As for me, I’m still waiting on the status of my post-graduate future. My love for W&M has prompted me to apply for jobs in college admissions—I hope to help others reach their educational goals the same way students and faculty here have enabled me to reach mine. I have thoroughly loved each and every aspect of these transformative four years, and when I leave, I will be leaving the most inspirational people I have ever met. But I will also be walking away with an unrivaled sense of self, pride in my institution, and the confidence to confront future challenges.

And so, with 103 days left in my college career, I’m planning to make the most of the unpredictability and enjoy the ride. Let the chips fall where they may.