By Marcela Homsany, Staff Writer
College is said to be the best years of your life. Countless songs, movies, TV shows, and even family members recount their university days fondly, reminiscing on the creative, social atmosphere that allows young adolescents to strive. With graduation approaching in late May, graduating students are left with an array of questions and emotions surrounding their post-college plans. “For many students, graduating college is the first time in their lives when they really can’t picture what the next stage will look like. For the first time they may be asking themselves questions like: Where will I live? What will I do every day? Who will I live with? How will I support myself financially? Unknowns are generally somewhat anxiety provoking. For many students, this is the first time that so much feels unknown all at once,” says Dr. Alper, assistant director at the YU Counseling Center.
Over 35% of college graduates suffer from graduation anxiety as students often find themselves taking a rigid, perfectionist approach in an attempt to reach their post-graduation goals and expectations. They attempt to reach the societal standards of success, not taking into account external factors, like the job market, that prohibit them from reaching these potentially unattainable expectations immediately after graduating. In turn, students become consumed by anxiety and depression, which manifest themselves into behavioral and emotional symptoms that dictate everyday life leading up to graduation. These may include low mood, restlessness, a persistent feeling of worry, low motivation, social withdrawal, and an inability to enjoy once pleasurable activities or hobbies. “It’s like I can’t breathe,” a graduating student, who wishes to remain anonymous, describes, “I’m extremely overwhelmed just by the thought of graduating. My life has always been linear; I went to a Jewish school growing up and always knew I would graduate highschool, then go to Seminary, then Stern College. Now that I’m graduating, I’m lost. I don’t know what the next steps will look like and I’m anxious.”
Luckily, there are an array of healthy strategies that will help this transition move smoothly. “Remember that you have successfully made transitions in the past, and this is just another one,” Dr. Alper explains, “ Don’t feel pressured to make all the decisions right now. Start with smaller choices that are easier to make, and eventually, the larger questions will also fall into place. Allow yourself a gap year if that is what is right for you. There can be pressure to keep moving without taking a break, but this is not right for everyone. A gap year, if spent well, can offer an opportunity to reflect and eventually commit to a decision that is really right for you.”
As the day to walk across the stage approaches, it is important to remember that everybody is on their own timeline, so it is essential to maintain a positive mindset, celebrate the milestones, and reach out to the resources on campus like the Career Center or Counseling Center on campus as needed.
To contact the Counseling Center, please visit: https://www.yu.edu/student-life/counseling
To contact the Career Center and Services, please visit: https://www.yu.edu/sgc