So you have finally finished university and the world seems to be your oyster right! What’s the next step? First of all congratulations to all graduates it is a great achievement and not a easy feat at all! I got a few friends to share their experiences and thoughts on life after school, to offer some perspective and encouragement to those in a state of confusion about their next steps and for those who are in eager anticipation of achieving this amazing accomplishment. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing their replies.
Victor
Civil Engineering, University of Alberta
1.What were your expectations for life after University?
FREEDOM!! That is what kept coming at me every time I thought of never having to do another homework or another lab report. I was so excited to have submitted my capstone project, I took a picture with my professor to mark the occasion. Don’t get me wrong…I like school and the art of learning that comes with it. But I couldn’t help but relish the thought of not returning to school in September. And, being able to do the things that I cared about the most.
2. Were those expectations met?
It took a while, but I finally got used to not having to do the 8:00am-11pm daily grind. Freedom? Yes, I got it. Maybe a little too much than I needed.
In theory, the more time you have, the more you can do. But I found that, for me, that was more fiction than fact. When I had only 3 free hours a week, I was doing at least one blog and one video weekly. But after graduation, I could barely manage one blog in two weeks, even though I now had 24 hours a day.
3. What would be your advice for those in their final year looking forward to life after school?
They say, “now is a gift; that’s why we call it the present”. Enjoy the moment! Many of us spend much of our time anticipating the arrival of something or someone, that we invest very little in preparation. If my experience is any indication, university is a place where you get introduced to yourself. You are stretched intellectually, psychologically and even spiritually.
I’m not that old but Mo said I should give an advice, so here you go: enjoy the moment!
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time…” So, whether you’re in your first or final year, find fun in your faculty.
4. What is one thing you wish you knew when you were in your final year in order to better prepare you for life after school?
If I were to do it again, I would get involved in things that will challenge me to build my leadership and interpersonal skills even more.
Huge thanks to Victor for sharing his knowledge and experiences. Don’t forget to reach out to him if his story resonates with you!
#LiveOnPurpose
Mo 🙂
Musings with Mo 