As graduation approaches, I’ve found myself less nervous than I thought I’d be. I am just as nostalgic as I expected to be though, and I feel grateful to be leaving college on a different journey than I originally planned.
Though I started college the year after COVID with a stomach full of anxiety and no idea what being an adult meant, I thankfully found friends and a loving partner who made my first year a bit easier. My honeymoon phase with college was short lived, however, and it took me several friend groups and moving twice to finally understand the consequences of living inside other people’s expectations.
With the end of my fourth year closing in, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned while living in this tiny but engaging college town. I’ll call these lessons my Big Three, a fun take on my three astrology signs (sorry astrology haters).
My Sun: Making a change is worth your time – My sun sign represents my sense of self and goals for my future, a product that has shifted numerous times since I started college in 2021. When I first started school, I hoped to become a lawyer equipped with the best tools to argue in the courtroom. I wanted to be liked by everyone and excel at everything I did whether I was enjoying the work or not.
Today, I hope to lobby for human rights and help people trying to navigate our legal system. I’ve moved away from following others and instead present myself how I want to be seen; nobody benefits from me trying to act just like the people I surround myself with. As tacky as it sounds, there is only one me, a valuable contribution to the world that I shouldn’t try to lock away.
While time is precious and not guaranteed, living a full life is worth taking a chance to admire what was and what will be. You are, after all, a mosaic of your experiences that deserves to be admired for the work put into it. Moving slow is alright as long as you’re still moving, and finding yourself in all aspects of your life will ultimately lead to a brighter future.
My Moon: Love is a two-way street – My moon sign represents how I respond to the world around me and my natural emotional needs. I have always been a nostalgic person, but I’ve never had an issue with that. What I did have a problem with was accepting love outside of when it was necessary. I let insecurity get in the way of finding deeper connection with my friends, I refused to celebrate my successes and I secluded myself when I needed additional support. The cycle of coming and going into hiding eventually became too much though, and I realized losing time worrying about moot issues stripped me of valuable experiences and relationships.
I’ve turned my focus to nurturing relationships that benefit me, including the one with myself. Entertaining people who know nothing about me or care too little to stick with me through the rough of life contributes nothing besides doubt and stress to my journey. I now have good friends who would love me despite mistakes, a supportive family who wishes for my success and an ego that pushes me better myself so I can continue adding to the world.
My Rising: Life isn’t a race – My rising sign represents the path the universe has planned for me, a path I wasn’t able to connect with for a long time. I found it unfortunate for far too long that I was built to be a yearner, but I have grown to love that about my nature. Being open to new possibilities while holding close what is most dear makes life a bit smoother, and those who tune into their strengths will find obstacles less daunting if they keep in mind their true journey.
I read something awhile ago (meaning I saw a TikTok) saying you mess up your own karma by giving people more chances than they deserve, and that was one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received. Life is meant to be shared, but nothing positive comes out of uplifting negativity or harmful dispositions. Living your life should be your central focus, I have found so much confidence in sharing my life with what my future self may want.
In sum, I may be graduating college, but I am still only 22. I am a newbie in my profession and a fresh face in the adult scene. Still, I have proved I am more than capable of adapting. I have stood for what I believe and admire, and I’ve worked hard to walk across that stage in May with a fresh outlook on life and passion for living.
To my fellow graduates, be free! You may be sad to leave this part of your life behind, but make sure you appreciate how much is ahead of you. Your life is yours, a malleable force full of unlimited potential, and I wish each of you the best in healing, growing and achieving.
Thank you for it all,
Jayde
