As a senior in college, I am well aware of the fear of graduation that many people experience during this phase of life. While it is a stressful time, it is also an exciting time.

I feel that it is important for us, as young adults, to understand that even though we may be scared at the moment, good things are yet to come. Often, many of my peers tend to stress the negative aspects of graduating and entering the “real world.” On the other hand, going into this next chapter with a negative disposition will only hurt yourself. I am fortunate enough to have supportive parents who encourage my plans post-Iona.

I intend to attend graduate school in the South and take part in adult responsibilities such as renting an apartment, living alone, etc. While this is a very scary concept, I feel that it is necessary for my independence as a young woman. The farthest I have lived from my parents on Long Island is in New Rochelle, roughly 45 minutes away. I have learned to be self-sufficient in the last four years, yet I do not consider myself to be fully independent. Although I enjoy travelling and have immersed myself in different areas, I have never lived outside of my Long Island/Westchester bubble.

I will not argue that New York isn’t an amazing place; however, there is a whole world beyond this tristate radius. I have many other reasons for my current plans, and I always feel that I need to justify them to others who are taking a different path after commencement on May 19.

It is important to understand that everyone has a different plan and that we must respect each other’s decisions for post-graduation life. While I have many friends and family who have supported my decisions, I have also had many people who feel the need to put down my ambitions.

As I mentioned earlier, this is a scary time for all of us. There is no way to gage whether or not we will be successful, or if we are going to like our new jobs or graduate schools. However, we do have the power to be as positive as possible and to encourage each other to be the best people we can be.

As we delve into this semester, I truly hope that all cohorts will continue to support one another and be open-minded. We are our own biggest fans and at the end of the day, we must do what is best for ourselves and nobody else.