Who do you want to be?

It’s amazing how fast three years can fly by. I remember, like many other freshmen, I thought I was destined for a career as a doctor. Now as a senior, I am now no longer on the pre-med track and still trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I would be lying if this time was not nerve-racking, but I must admit that it is exciting. In less than 9 months (Yikes!), I will be out in the world, exploring new options and breaking out of the Wash U Bubble. In less than 9 months, I will be one step closer to being a “real” adult. An adult that has a full-time job and doesn’t depend on meal points to purchase food.

As many of us in the Class of 2009 are about to leave the comfort of Wash U, we are looking towards (or dreading) life after graduation. Is it grad school, a job, or a fellowship program? Is it going back to live near our families, or venturing to some new locale? As I was pondering these things, Carol Moakley (one of the many amazing advisors at the Career Center) suggested that I asked myself one thing:

“Who do I want to be?”

I know it sounds philosophical, but as we all begin a new chapter in our lives, it’s important that we learn more about ourselves and our priorities. The more you learn about your passions and your desired lifestyle, the easier it will be to find opportunities that are a good fit for you.

So to my fellow seniors, take a deep breath. The next stage after college is an important, but is only one part of figuring out what is our purpose in life. In the upcoming months, explore different options by talking to people in fields that interest you, going to company informational sessions, and reading books about industries that intrigue you. Apply to jobs, transitional programs, or graduate schools that appeal to you most, while remaining mindful of deadlines.

Life after graduation is a whole new story, and your first chapter, isn’t your last. So try not to worry…too much.