Now that our seniors will be taking their next steps in life by graduating from Stanislaus, the most obvious question is: what happens next? The answer will fluctuate between alumni and many may find that they’re not alone in their feelings. When asking alumni who had graduated the past few years, all their responses pointed to how they are continually learning and growing even after their Stan State graduation on May 26, 2021.
The difference from Graduation and Now
Karla Nowicki, an Art Alumni that graduated early in December of 2019, gave an idea as to how she felt when she first graduated, “I learned way more than I ever thought there was to learn.”
However, she had a different mindset once graduating, “I will be honest in saying I don’t feel confident. So the advice I’d give myself to push more [is] it might be challenging and at times scary, but why not try different styles with my art, to branch out even if it’s just within my major.”
Emily Siemons, an Art Alumni that graduated spring of 2020, also had a similar insight to graduating. “I still had a lot more learning to do even though I was finished with school.”
Looking back at that now, this is the advice she’d give herself, “Figuring out exactly what you want is a continuous process that takes time and effort.”
As for others, like Jyssica Hayden, my sister-in-law and Criminal Justice Alumni that graduated in Spring 2018, her life took her down a different path.
Hayden states, “Life gets crazy and sometimes you may not get a career in a degree that you studied for.” She continued, “A degree shows that you can put in the hard work to do anything and try anything to succeed.”
Advice, from one Alumni to another
When asking each Alumni to give some advice, many had different and wonderful responses.
Dahlia Hood, an Art History alumni that graduated December 2020 said, “Do what you think is [the] right decision, but also don’t stress yourself out trying to get a job in your field of study right away, things take time and don’t happen overnight.”
To complement Hood’s advice, Nowicki stated, “If it takes one year, five, or even longer? That’s perfectly okay. As eager as you may be to start your dream career, it might not come easily in the next month. It’ll be worth the [wait], I swear.”
Siemons’ advice followed suit with the others, “You don’t have to have everything completely figured out right now, being uncertain isn’t out of the ordinary. If you can, use the time of uncertainty to explore things that you normally wouldn’t.”
Hayden’s advice gave a nice final touch, “Always keep trying your best and you’ll surprise yourself, I know I did.”
Final Words
Each Alumni gave advice to show that you’re not alone with feeling unsure, and that it is okay to feel that way. For those who feel unsure on how to start your career, Kerry Young, a journalist and Senior from The Signal, wrote a great article on how to prepare for those next steps.
As Hood said in her last statement, “Celebrate! You just finished a huge accomplishment, be proud of yourself!”
