Navigating Life After Graduation

So, there it is. I'm officially done with school. Something that became my whole life, my whole personality.

So, what's next?

As my Nigerian father would say, "Doctorate."

The man is partially delusional, don't mind him.

I've finally completed this huge milestone. I've wanted to become a physician assistant since my senior year of high school. But what happens after you walk that stage, take that exam, and grab that degree?

Post-grad life is a mixture of excitement, pressure, boredom, and loneliness. Trust me, this is my second time experiencing this emotional rollercoaster. But bachelor-degree Kay? She was full of life. Ready to take on the world, prepared to make $15 an hour drawing blood, and eager to register for community college to knock out her prerequisites. Now that I'm all done...what's next?

One of the biggest challenges after graduation is feeling like you need to have a job, a perfect routine, and a five-year plan immediately. I'm not saying I don't plan on doing these things, but shouldn't we all have the space to figure things out at our own pace?

What if I decide to have a kid before job hunting? Or go travel around Asia for a year? (Mind you, these things won't happen, but just go with it.)

But honestly, what does it matter? Your journey is yours. Do what you want to do.

Friendships after graduation? A whole struggle.

Making (and keeping) friends is different now. In undergrad, friendships formed effortlessly. Even in PA school, you saw the same people 40 hours a week. You almost had no choice but to bond.

Post-grad? Not so easy. Everyone is busy working, moving, getting married, and just living their own lives. But as I wrote in my last blog, I've made the decision to:

• Be intentional about my friendships.

• Be open to making new connections.

• Willing to accept that some friendship won't last, and that's okay.

Additionally, I won't sugarcoat it. The job search is exhausting. The waiting, the rejections, the constant cycle of applying and hoping for the best. I feel like this is all I do nowadays.

Another thing. Being free is fun, right? Well...it's supposed to be.

But this transition is hard. I feel weird not doing anything. I haven't "not done" anything since 2021. I'm trying to rediscover the things I used to love before PA school, but I honestly can't remember what they were.

I know I loved reading, but...what else? If anyone has tips on what to do when you're jobless and bored, please let me know.

But despite all this uncertainty, I am happy. I am proud. I am done.

The next chapter is all about figuring it out. And in this, I promise myself grace. I am still learning. I am navigating a new phase of life that I'm not used to. And I'm proud of myself for that.

I am blessed to be in this situation, because this is what I prayed for.

Have you struggled with post-grad life?

Let me know. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Also...two blog posts in one day? I'm getting better. And that's all because of you. Thank you.

-Kay