A Letter to Indiana Wesleyan Undergraduates (and undergraduates everywhere)

I graduated college 364 days ago and today, a good chunk of my Indiana Wesleyan friends and cohorts walked across that same stage I did a year ago. Congrats guys. I won’t lie to you, the real world is a scary place and sometimes can feel dark, lonely, and confusing. But with all the lack of stability and confusion comes amazing amounts of hope and excitement and even a little fun. Here are 5 things to remember as you head off into the world.

1. Have older, wiser, and better looking friends

The majority of the friends I’ve made since graduating college are older than me. I love it. They have more things figured out and provide great advice since they have more life experience. Of course, I still have friends that are my age or younger; but the wisdom of someone older than me is invaluable. Especially as I attempt to navigate paying for bills, budgeting money, and figure out what’s important in life.

2. Take a (calculated) risk

It’s hard being our age. We have no money and everything is scary. We also have the least to lose since we don’t have anything. Remember this. I’m not saying to move to New York City with no money and no job, but if something you want to do seems doable but scary and you find yourself saying “it’s too risky,” you should probably do it. It’ll probably be the best decision of your life.

3. Keep up with the college pals

I have friends from Indiana Wesleyan that I talk to for an hour on the phone nearly every week. Even though I haven’t seen their face in months, they still have an impact on my new life.

4. You are 22/23 and it is ridiculous of your parents to expect simultaneous financial independence and success along with you completing an undergraduate program

I have friends who have had a hard time with their parents giving them shit about not having it all together and it’s been a year since we graduated. “why don’t you have a job?” “you need a job with health insurance!” “why are you not in a relationship!?” “where are my grandchildren?” “I thought you were going to buy us a house with that degree by now!” (I’m exaggerating a bit.) This is the first time in your life that you aren’t under the supervision of a parent or guardian and you are going to have to learn how to do life on your own. These things take time. Indiana Wesleyan did not teach you everything you need to know, but you’ll get things figured out. You finished a 4 year degree, you can do anything!

5. It’s okay to be afraid.

I’m scared every single day. I worry about money and my career and where my life is going. I find solace in knowing everyone else is thinking the exact same things.

Bonus: You did not peak in college

The day after I left Marion I was in the Charlotte airport headed to visit some friends in Portland. I started talking to a young woman about my age and I mentioned that I had just graduated from college. Her immediate response was “Oh I’m so sorry, it isn’t ever going to get better than college. Everybody peaks then.” I had graduated 48 hours earlier and was very emotionally vulnerable. It made me feel like I was gonna vomit. But I had heard similar things before.

This is bullshit.

I did not peak in college. You did not peak in college. There is so much more life to live. You will learn the most about yourself in the next 365 days than any other time during your life. You are in your early 20's. You are just getting started and you are going to destroy everything that comes your way.

Congrats graduate. Welcome to the game.

joseph