Decisions for after undergrad
I am about to graduate this spring. Although I am looking forward to it, I cannot help but have some fears in my next decisions. I have the opportunity to attend graduate school, and I am afraid I may make the wrong decision on where to go. Making the decision for my undergrad was easy, I play sports so I got an offer and it helped me decide. Now, I feel like more "rides" on this decision, and to keep my parents and myself happy. Would love to hear what anyone has to say, or how they may have made their decision.
@gentleSea2597
@gentleSea2597 First of all, congratulations on this!! It is totally valid to feel scared about the future and all the uncertainties that come with it, especially after graduation! Just want you to know that you are not alone in this, and we are here to support you and chear you on! I promise that you got this, okay? Step by step, moment by moment. However it will all end up i promise that it will be okay and you will get through this scary time. Am sending so much virtual support your way!
I'm guessing you're very close to graduating by now, or have already graduated. Congratulations!
It may help if you made a pros and cons list, on attending grad school or not. First write down anything that comes to mind. Like what happens if you were to attend grad school or what will you be doing if you don't attend grad school right away, things like that. Then, look through each thought, and organize it to see if it's a pro or con. Then, once it's categorized, look at each point to see if it's realistic, is it something you have control over? After everything it's in its place, see how it balanced out, it should help with making a decision as to whether or not to continue with grad school.
Also, if you don't start grad school right away, because you had an offer, are you able to accept it like in a couple years down? I know some people who do not attend grad school immediately afterwards. But end up working for a few years before going back to grad school (my cousin did that, she work like for nearly 8 years, then went back to grad school and studied medicine, something entirely different than her undergrad degree).
Good luck, hope this helps~
@gentleSea2597
@gentleSea2597 Hi Sea, I know it is a stressful time. I guess I would say focus on what makes you happy and not parents, peers, etc. Of course you have to put a roof over your head, but it's ultimately you making a commitment and graduate school can be a lot of work.
I personally had a difficult experience of my dad pushing me to start a grad program I didn't want to, and I was ultimately unhappy and left and struggled a lot with my mental health as a result. I wish in hindsight I had taken my time, done things like volunteering and shadowing people who worked in different aspects of the field I was interested in to get a better understanding of what I really wanted and what program is best. Some places will let you defer a year if that is an option that might make you feel better.
@gentleSea2597
Hi! Congratulations!! That is a huge step you are taking and I am proud of you for graduating that is so exciting! It is hard to decide what to do after undergrad because that is a big leap for the future! Many people go through this so you are not alone. Take in time to reflect on what you liked and disliked, you yourself, without the opinions of what others around you feel because in the end it's for you! not for everyone else (:
good luck!
