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.
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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
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