17/07/2025
The Uncertainty of What to do Next?
As I looked around the hall, everyone was dressed in identical black graduation gowns and caps. I never imagined this moment would arrive so swiftly. My classmates and friends beamed with joy as they took in the experience. The sounds of tears filled the air from those who felt a deep sense of accomplishment. As I scanned the crowd, I saw expressions of fulfillment on their faces.
As we sang our graduation song, memories of our journey flooded back, and shifting my tassel to the other side hit me that this chapter was closing. From Kindergarten to College, I faced challenges I never thought I could overcome. Throughout my life, I dedicated myself to studying and striving to excel. It didn’t matter how tough things got; I was committed because it was for my future.
Standing in that hall, I realized we had finally made it; all our struggles as children led to something meaningful. The moment we threw our caps into the air and proclaimed, "We graduated!" felt like the greatest achievement we could experience at that moment.
I can finally say, "I graduated!" But what comes next?
Now that I've finished school, I find myself grappling with anxiety over what to do next. I was accustomed to a meticulously planned existence in school, but now my life feels aimless, and I feel somewhat useless. Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts drift like a free spirit. Anxiety creeps in as I contemplate my next steps.
There are no more math problems to solve, no classmates waiting for me in classrooms with friendly smiles. The silence of the room emphasizes my transition from student to adult. I no longer think about projects but instead about updating my resume and preparing my applications.
The school schedule still lingers in my mind as I adjust to the realities of adulthood. Despite my efforts to gather myself, fears persist. What should I do? Where do I begin? What should my next steps be? These questions swirl through my mind as I ponder my future.
This day marks the end of my childhood, but the transition feels daunting. The pressure and anxiety weigh heavily on me as I step into the world. I have come to understand that I am no longer a child who needs care; I must now meet societal expectations that deem me highly intelligent, yet it all feels quite terrifying.
Nevertheless, I refuse to let that fear overwhelm me. Life is about growth. Now that I've reached this stage, I will embrace it fully. If I allow fear to dominate my thoughts instead of trusting my strength and knowledge, it would be as if I were neglecting my achievements throughout the years.
I've often heard that life isn't a race, and I intend to take this as a reminder to pace myself. Graduation is merely the first step into the real world, and I will allow myself the time to absorb it all. There’s no need for anxiety; planning and deliberating about the future is essential.
Rushing into decisions without careful consideration is like driving in the desert without a destination. So when pondering what comes next after graduation, my answer would be to take the time to understand everything, make thoughtful plans, and focus on informed decisions rather than succumbing to fear.
The right choices and plans will lead you to your own version of success and happiness.
Essay by Hannah Margaret Rebusquillo
Cartoon by Archelyn V. Tordos
Layout by Vince Altair Fuentes
