An 18th Grader

I have been a student for the last 18 years of my life. Never took a year off. No gaps. Straight through.

And as I come into my final week of tests and assignments, I thought I’d be filled with with so much joy. But in all actuality, it’s bittersweet.

On the one hand I’m excited to be done with school. Having a master’s degree at 23 is no small task and I did it. No one can ever take it from me.

Yet then on the other hand, there’s a sense of comfortability with school. Every year I knew exactly what I’d be doing in the following months. But as I transition into my first job, life isn’t as straightforward.

I’m about to move to Medford, Oregon. I told myself I’d never move back to Oregon when I left in 2019. But I guess that’s why we shouldn’t say never. Because look at me now.

But what interests me the most is how life can go any which way at any point. I could end up moving to Oregon and never leaving. I could get there and in two years move again. Shoot I could end up not moving at all.

I’m spitballing now but life is, for once, unknown. I’ve never felt this before. It’s liberating. And terrifying. And I can’t wait to get started.

For me, this last semester of school has been less about academia and more about realignment. Making sure I was ready for this next big step. And I’m sure many graduating students felt the same sentiment.

This blog was brief. And it’s honestly because I don’t have much to say anymore. I’m just ready to do. I’m ready to start life and see what is out there.

So to all of my graduates this year, let’s embrace the unknown. We have breath in our lungs and dreams to chase. Let’s go get the bag and change the world.

Because anything less would be a disservice to ourselves.