Scared "Ship-less"

The end is near. Or is it the beginning?

My fellow Shippensburg Class of '11 peers can understand and relate to this "pun" of a title as graduation quickly (and I mean quickly) approaches. For many of us, this is the last week of college classes that we will ever have in our lives. One thing holds true for everyone--rather your heading to grad school, the work force or back to Mom and Dad's for awhile--thing's are really going to change.

I can personally say that currently my plan is to wrap up schooling for now and get some (hopefully good) experience in the public relations field. I'm moving out of my parents house (but staying close by for moral support), taking on a whole new set of financial responsibilities and adjusting to a new life where I won't constantly be surrounded by college friends and unlimited resources. I'll be the first to say it...I am scared to death.

I think this transition is probably one of the most difficult times in life. For the past 17 years (some more), we've been in school. Now, there's still so much to learn but we may not be as compelled to seek out knowledge without the incentives of grades or a degree. I personally spent every extra minute of my college years involved in extracurriculars, social events,etc. Now that all of that is coming to an end--I find myself asking, "What the heck am I going to do with all of that extra time?"

The answer, that I am slowly beginning to see is to join extracurriculars in the area. I can take on the same extra challenges that I have been the past four years, by volunteering in my community, becoming a member of a professional organization, serving on a board or committee and networking, networking, networking.

On a less horrifying note, it's definitely a relief to know that the job market is starting to expand again and new opportunities are available to entry-level professionals. In my job search, I have found many opportunities that I feel I am qualified for. Not all of them are in public relations, but I am starting to relax when it comes to job hunting and the possibility that a job may not present itself right away...but will eventually.

So all in all, I can say that in the next couple of months, I will probably be a temporary emotional or financial "Ship-wreck" but I do see this time as a beginning and not an end and I look forward to the experiences-whether they be good or bad--in my future as a professional.

I wish all of the Shippensburg University Class of 2011 good luck in their future endeavors and hope that you all conquer your fears and find yourselves on the path to success and doing what you love!