Things They Don’t Tell You In Your 20’s (Dot Dot Dot) It’s Ghetto Series-Part 1: Graduation Blues
Welcome to part 1 out of 3 series called "Things They Don't Tell You In Your Twenties (Dot Dot Dot) It's Ghetto. Here’s a bit of context behind this series- I originally wanted to start a podcast to chat about all the supposedly amazing yet secretive and taboo aspects of our 20s. Well, the genius that I am (hi, I'm Rhiana, nice to meet you) had the brilliant idea of spilling the tea on the crap that we go through in a podcast. News flash- I didn't start the podcast because quite frankly listening to my voice on repeat wasn't my idea of fun. Now, if you know me, you'd know I'm a chatty Cathy. I needed another outlet and naturally, I started a blog instead. Now, we can have endless convos...- well, I'll write, and you read. Pretty one-sided, but hey, you're welcome lol. Anyways, back to business: Part 1 of this series dives into the "Graduation Blues". Keep reading and let's see where we end up.
We can all admit, graduating from college and finally saying “peace out" to those starter iclicker questions (you know the device your professor made you buy to use at the first 10 minutes of class to take attendance...bologna) OR those unnecessary weekly lab reports in your orgo class (clearly, I had a deep, abiding love for those.... not). All that to say, we couldn't wait to make it to the finish line. Well, news flash again.... we were better off in college enjoying the free time of "studying" in the library with our friends. SECRET EXPOSED!!! Don't judge me- we all know library time was just an excuse for you and your friends to eat, goof off, and whine about your quiz tomorrow. Once you're out of college, you look back and realize, hey, maybe it wasn't so bad.
However, why did no one tell me about this thing called "Graduation Blues"? A heads-up would've been nice... Thanks, Anisa for not sharing that with me prior to my day of glory. Just kidding... not really. Many of us can't put into words the changes that hit post-graduation. My first realization came at the end of 2020 (I mean COVID didn't help either). I was so used to having a routine breakfast, class, class, classssss, lunch, library, work, repeat. But suddenly it was free time, free time, maybe breakfast, more free time, and occasional work. I didn't know what to do with myself. I fell into a place of "what now". I had this degree that I worked 7 years for hahaha (that's a story for another day) and I felt stuck. Imagine being left out to dry after being on the same hamster wheel for so long. We need to do a better job of sharing our post-grad struggles. This was the time I was studying for my GRE.. (your girl wanted to practice pediatric medicine). Spoiler: def not doing that now, but my career now is much cooler. Those few months after graduation were HARD and that's okay to admit. We weren't built to have it all figured out. Every day, I had to build up a healthy routine of my new norm. It took time and effort, but there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
Here's my testimony- I got offered a career working for one of the best medical robotics companies in the world. Yes, robots lol and it's all because I kept my faith in God, shared my low moments of "what do I do next" with friends, and knew that everything would work out for the better. Now look at me!
To end on a positive note-I'm here to sprinkle a bit of inspo like I always "try" to do. Speak about the taboo things. Inspire that friend, family member, or even yourself to tackle those tough post-grad moments. We're all just trying to find ourselves after that major life plot twist. Signing off for now-stay fabulous!
