The Growing Pains of Graduation

Graduation season is finally here! Students at Teachers College and Columbia University are wearing their caps and gowns taking photos for the momentous day that is just around the corner. Whether you are an undergraduate or a graduate student, graduation season can be filled with uncertainties about what comes next post graduation. Whether you already have a job lined up, continuing your education, or in the midst of figuring it all out, graduation is a joyous occasion. In this blog post we will be sharing the stories from Therapy for Black Girls the podcast “The Growing Pains of Graduation” episode.

If you matriculated into university during the COVID-19 pandemic the college experience may have looked extremely different, one student shared, “it is exhausting to not have human interaction during adulthood.” COVID-19 turned campuses across the world into super spreader environments where it was best for the safety of everyone for education to move to virtual classrooms, otherwise known as, “Zoom University.” However, while many students were disappointed with the lack of in-person classes, one student noted that COVID-19 actually made her a better student. “I don’t think that without COVID I would have had that ebb and flow to have fun and socialize but then also do your homework…I’m thankful for the secludedness.” This student was a sophomore when COVID-19 occurred and it allowed her the space to focus more on her studies. With the additional solitude the student was able to find her path, switching majors three times before she landed on what she wanted to pursue. While this isn’t everyone’s perspective on COVID-19, it is nice to find the silver lining in every situation.

And while graduates everywhere get ready for commencement we want to remind students that, “in moments of uncertainty and anxiety to see the positivity of the year itself.”

Even when the pieces are still falling into place, know that what you have accomplished is no easy feat. Now is the time to be proud of all of the hard work you have done to earn your degree. Focus on the present moment and allow the anxiety and worry of the future fade into the background.