Congratulations on finishing your last year of college! By now, Howard is your second home.

You should have friendly relations with most of the faculty, contain a strong circle of friends, preside over or have a strong influence in your favorite extracurricular activities, and you should be anxious to get into the “real world”. Some of you will be applying to grad school while other will enter the work force.  This year has become notorious for being the easiest year because you are usually taking your least amount of credits, but the year every senior succumbs to senioritis.

As the end of the semester ends, we see the culmination of the upcoming graduates. The class of 2017 has seen its share of highs and lows but overall they have persevered through it all the adversity Howard could throw at them.

The big looming question amongst graduating seniors is “What am I going to do after I am finished with school?”

“Howard is the school supreme. Howard is all of what you make it; if you’re not ready to grow up, then Howard is not for you. Howard is going to be the best time of your life, because you have to really fight for everything. It teaches you to be responsible and to have a sense of urgency with everything you do. I feel like I am ready for the world after graduation because I prepared myself.” Said Graduating Senior Napier Kentish

After being in school for nearly two decades moving into the “real world” can be a terrifying thing. You are naive to the true responsibilities that loom ahead and  you are most likely freaking out. You are virtually alone because all your friends have moved on as well and you all are starting new lives. You can no longer stay up to the crack of dawn and still properly function the next day and even though you have no more assignments, and test, the biggest test is ahead with bills, starting a family, finding somewhere to live, and your future career.

The question of ‘What are you doing after graduation’ gives me anxiety to be honest.” Said Graduating Senior Kelah Cash.

With all that said life is about progression. You have taken the right steps to putting yourself in the right places and in front of the right people. I mean you are graduating from “The Mecca” Howard University, you know all about finesse. You chose your major based on two things 1.) You enjoy the field and you think you would be an asset or 2.) It’s going to make you a heck of a lot of money. Either way you chose It and know it’s time to get to work. Life changes after college and it’s not a bad thing.

Of course things will be hard but you will get through things. With graduation in literally two weeks you have to take some time to yourself as much as possible anyways. Think about short term goal and long term goals that are obtainable. If you know you cannot afford to live on your own right after college, DO NOT DO IT! Taking a job that is not quite what you want is ok until you get to where you want to be. You will learn to prioritize and pick and choose what events are mandatory or what can hold out.

“As of now I am going back home to Pittsburgh.” Spoke Kash

As your college career comes to a close please remember that things will get better. You will find what you are passionate about and succeed. Sometimes things take longer than others, so do not get discouraged if your dreams are put on hold for reality.