Timing is essential.

Now, let's get a few things straight from the beginning.  I am not writing this blog as a starving artist, a hopeless romantic, or a frivolous dreamer.  This blog comes from the perspective of a realist, a planner, and an organizational guru.  I graduated from college about two weeks ago with a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences and a minor in Business Administration.  When I left the small town I called "home" for so many years, I was determined never to refer to this place as my home again.  I had dreams, goals, and aspirations that seemed impenetrable.  I was beginning the first chapter to the newly opened book of life (complete with the glorious smell).  My stories had just begun.

Fast forward four years, two jobs, and a transfer later, I am sitting on my bed in the place I have called "home" for so many years.  After one blissful year in the city, I made the decision to transfer to a college closer to home in order to take full advantage of in-state tuition.  As a dreamer, I did not want to leave.  I had a world of opportunity within my reach and the floor disappeared beneath my feet.  I had always been told not to worry about the cost of the school you attended, it would all work out in the end.  I want to grace these people with a reality slap and question, "WHAT ON EARTH WERE YOU THINKING?"  Of course, the cost of tuition should be an integral factor in college decision; it has to be.  It was at this point that my downward spiral into the world of realism began.  I took the blow in stride, enrolled at a cheaper college, and was blessed with a part-time job.

Although I was determined to loathe my situation for the next three years, I encountered a few gifts that made the future seem a little brighter: I formed an amazing relationship with my parents and met the love of my life.  In short, I graduated and have a little piece of paper (I actually don't even have that. They mail our diplomas throughout the summer) telling a future employer that I would probably be okay for a job.  When I say timing is essential, I think all recent grads would agree.  This is, potentially, one of the worst years to graduate from college.  Yes, we accomplished something great, but what is our accomplishment worth if we cannot put it to use in our quest to change the world?  It is a struggle to maintain confidence and motivation when life is constantly changing.  So, as inspiration to myself and all the other graduates: ride the wave, rise to the challenge, and show the world that the past four years were not for nothing.  Keep dreaming, pursuing, and fighting, for one day we will change the world.  Until then, happy job hunting!