Onward

Friends, Wade Thompson

For any of us in the 22-25 age range, who either have graduated, are currently graduating, or will be graduating soon (God willing), we are in a stage of transition. We’re leaving the One Card existence and entering something totally new – which I will not call the real world, because it’s either always been real or never has. This something new, whatever it is brings with it doubt, fear, discomfort, excitement, anxiety, and everything in between.

I’ve gone through somewhat of a crisis myself. I’ve spent pretty much all my time since January thinking about what’s next and all of the questions that come with that thought. All the contemplation has resulted in many crying sessions, breakdowns, and phone calls to my mother. After laying out all of the options, making dozens of pros and cons lists, drinking wine and eating brie – perhaps feigning sophistication brings you closer to it – and talking to just about everyone I know, I made my decision. Now that it’s made, no crisis.

So I guess that’s what the crisis is: the confusion, the doubt, the thoughts, the questions, and which possibility is the right one. I don’t think we have anything to worry about in terms of what’s next; we just have to worry about making the decisions in order to get there. Once you’ve made your decision, don’t look back. Have courage in your convictions. Now that I know what I’m doing, I get to – and should – enjoy getting excited about it.

That brings me to my second point: don’t look back, and especially don’t look back to high school days. I scoff more at people who reminisce about high school than those celebrating quarter-life crises for their 24th birthday. What on earth was better about high school than now? Fake ID anxiety? Listening to “I’m With You” by Avril Lavigne on repeat because your best friend doesn’t love you back? Lying to your Mom and saying you’re going out for “appetizers” when really you’re going to a bar in the village where you order a lychee martini even though you have no idea what a lychee is? It looks like seafood in the bottom of your glass, but it tastes kinda fruity, but I digress.

I don’t think there’s anything to look back at and wish for. I think all the fun is ahead, and that it doesn’t stop. I have a feeling things will just keep getting better. Embrace the crisis, but don’t wallow too long, because there’s a lot to look forward to.