THE REAL WORLD AWAITS: INSIGHTS FROM THE NEW GRADUATES

 

Imagine you are a turtle. You have spent years inside your shell, learning and growing in a safe and familiar environment. Now, you are about to step out of your comfort zone and explore new horizons, but you are also terrified of what lies ahead. You have to stick your neck out and face the unknown. How do you feel? What do you do?

This is how most new graduates feel as they leave behind their academic life and enter the real world. Graduation is a momentous occasion that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in a person’s life. It is a time to celebrate one’s achievements, reflect on one’s journey, and look forward to one’s future. However, it is also a time of uncertainty, anxiety, and excitement as one faces the real world and its challenges and opportunities. It is a time when one has to stick his or her neck out and meet such challenges and opportunities.

Ruth Westheimer, a famous author, professor, and Holocaust survivor, once said: “My favorite animal is the turtle. The reason is that in order for the turtle to move, it has to stick its neck out. There are going to be times in our life when you’re going to have to stick your neck out. There will be challenges, and instead of hiding in a shell, you have to go out and meet them.” Therefore, her words are an inspiration for all new graduates who are about to embark on their journey in the real world.

In this article, we will explore some insights from samples of the University of San Carlos’ new graduates this year who have graciously agreed to share their feelings and expectations about the real world. They come from different backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common – they are ready to take on the world and make their mark.

Whether you are a new graduate yourself, a soon-to-be graduate, or a curious reader, I hope the following insights of these new graduates who are about to stick their necks out and embark on their real-world adventures will inspire, inform, and entertain you.

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What are the most valuable skills or lessons you learned from your college experience?

MILES LLANA

I came to college as a hopeful and purposeful probinsyana from the province of Misamis Occidental, with wide eyes and a bright smile. Now that I look back at my undergraduate journey, I feel a mix of emotions. Whether it’s nostalgia or the bittersweet reality of moving on, it’s hard to process everything that happened.

The college has been a humbling and enlightening experience for me. It taught me how to survive and thrive in a new city, where I had to navigate public transportation, find the best deals for laundry and food (worth 30 pesos), and make new friends. It also showed me the possibilities and challenges of the world, where I wanted to explore and achieve everything, but also faced burnout, toxicity, and family issues.

There were times when I felt alone and helpless in this cold and concrete city, where I had come to pursue my dreams.

But then I realized that I wasn’t. The college has taught me that life can be unfair, but it also gives me choices. I can choose to take a break, to set boundaries, to ask for help, to love and be loved. I can choose how to respond to the situations that life throws at me.

The college has taught me that life is just beginning and that the beauty of existence lies in the highs and lows. I learn from my failures, I adapt to my changes, and I grow from my successes. I am on my own, but I can also choose who to share with my journey.

How did you cope with the challenges of online learning during the pandemic?

CLIVANNE DOZMILLE

I was lucky to be in my hometown when the pandemic lockdown was announced nationwide, and the sudden shift to online learning did not affect my performance much.  I study political science, which does not require physical or practical activities like some other courses, so it was easier for our department to adapt to the online mode.

I coped with the challenge of online learning during the pandemic by doing more of what I missed during face-to-face classes. I spent more time with my family, by being more attentive and involved during our meals and other activities. This is because I used to live in a dormitory when we had face-to-face classes.

I also read a lot of self-help books and journaled to deal with the uncertainty and stress caused by the pandemic. Another thing I did was start a small online business with my friends. I never thought of selling anything before the pandemic, but it was a fun and productive way of using my time at home.

Finally, I enjoyed the beauty and tranquility of the provincial landscape that I could not see in the city.

What are some of the best memories or highlights of your college journey?

PATRICIA MILAGROS

I made a lot of memories in college that molded me into the person I am today. I think the most significant aspect of my college years was the growth of my character.

Coming from a small city and a conservative family, I was overwhelmed by the diversity and complexity of my new environment. However, I learned to be more open-minded by interacting with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. It was not an easy journey, and I often doubted myself, but I worked hard and persevered. I am grateful to God, my family, and my friends for their support and encouragement along the way.

I want to end with a quote that resonates with me: “Quality over quantity.” I used to ignore this quote, but it became meaningful to me in my last year of college. I realized that it is better to study fewer subjects with a deeper understanding than to cram many subjects without comprehension.

And more importantly, it is better to have a few genuine friends than to have many superficial ones.

What are some of the challenges or opportunities you anticipate or face as a new graduate?

JUVIE MARIE

Graduating is daunting. As someone who prefers to stay in my comfort zone, I find reality intimidating.

However, I choose to be confident as I move forward. I want to see life after college as a huge opportunity for me to grow as a person. I am eager to learn about the corporate world and how I would handle different challenges and situations that would make me grow. I am curious to discover how I would enjoy the aspects of adulthood and be responsible for my actions. I am optimistic to explore the world beyond the walls of my university; to stretch myself beyond my comfort zone.

When I think of this, my anxiety about the future fades away.

How do you plan to use your degree or major in your future career or endeavors?

JAY

I have a degree in Industrial Engineering and I want to work in an industry that matches my knowledge, abilities, skills, and ideas.

Industrial Engineering is a broad field with many opportunities, but I don’t want to waste time experimenting with different industries. I am interested in working in a field where I can oversee a certain process from a system perspective. I will use this interest to provide efficient solutions for any problems that may arise within the system.

My degree is also related to my long-term goal of starting my own business. The knowledge and skills I gained from studying Industrial Engineering are useful in my life as well.

I know that I will face many challenges, but I have good decision-making skills that are based on facts. This will help me overcome any difficulties and achieve the results I want.

How did you balance your academic, social, and personal life as a college student?

DIONNE ARAE

Many people think that studying Accountancy means sacrificing fun for academics. They imagine accountants as dull or busy people who have no time for leisure.

However, when I was in college, I learned that this was not true. I had to study hard, of course, but I also enjoyed many social opportunities. I managed my time well by planning and organizing my schedule. I completed my assignment on time and studied in advance so I could have some free time for myself and my friends. One of the best things about college was having wonderful friends who could both study and party with me.

Studying and socializing are important, but what I value most is having time for myself. I think it is essential to reflect and organize my thoughts. Accountancy is a competitive field and it can be easy to lose one’s self-esteem or identity by comparing grades and rankings with others. I like to set aside some time for myself so I can be mindful and aware of my thinking process.

It’s like taking a step back from my roles as a student and a friend and asking if I am also a friend to myself.

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Graduation is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. It is a time when we have to stick our necks out and face the real world of its challenges and opportunities. It is also a time when we can learn from the experiences, struggles, and successes of other new graduates who have gone through the same transition.

As Ruth Westheimer said, “There are going to be times in our life when you’re going to have to stick your neck out.” But sticking your neck out does not mean being perfect or flawless. It means being brave and willing to try new things, even if you make mistakes along the way. As Taylor Swift said in her graduation speech, “You will screw it up sometimes.” And that’s okay. That’s how you learn and grow.

So, don’t be afraid to stick your neck out and screw it up sometimes. Go out and meet the world with courage, confidence, and curiosity.

Congratulations Class of 2023! The real world awaits you.

Head photo courtesy of stockdotadobedotcom

Video clip courtesy of YouTube