(no subject)
With graduation less than a week away, I constantly intercept words of congratulations wherever I go: at my office cubicle, in the hallways, in the restroom. My response to these kudos is standard. I smile brightly, give a quick thumbs up, and a loud, confident “Thank you!” before continuing on my way. As soon as the moment passes, however, my grin fades, and a slight grimace takes its place. Rather than celebrating, I should be grieving: over my loss of stability, loss of job, and loss of direction.
Graduation can mean many different things to different people. Some see it as liberation, others see it as a time to score cash from relatives, and others see it as an awarding culmination of four years of hard work. I see it as a frightening plateau on which I’m teetering before falling off into the abyss of reality that will engulf me after May 13, 2006.
Let’s review. As of today, May 8, 2006, five days before I graduate, I officially have not heard from my graduate school of choice, I have no job prospects, and currently work as a student assistant (“student” being the key word here).
Let’s prospect. As of next week, I will not be enrolled in graduate school, will have no student assistant job, and will have no job to follow.
I am so glad that I took college so incredibly seriously. I am so glad that I participated in so many extra-curricular activities and invested so much time here at Georgia State. Because look where it has gotten me.
So yes. Congratulations. Kudos.