I'm graduating in a week.
*deep breath*
In one week, I will have obtained my Master's degree from The Florida State University.
I'll be honest, I'm having a lot of trouble writing this entry, because I truly don't know how to feel. I'm excited that I will have a break from 20 consecutive years of schooling (I love the learning, but the homework? Not so much). I'm excited to celebrate two years of hard work with my fellow Higher Education grads. I'm excited to see my family for the first time since Christmas, and to introduce them to everyone (it's not like I don't talk about them enough), and to meet my fellow grads' families.
I'm confident that I'll continue my job search and will end up with the right position for me (expect an excited blog post when I officially accept a position!). I'm confident that God is guiding my path and that I will be working where I'm meant to, guiding the lives of students and learning from everyone around me.
I normally try not to get sad at "goodbyes," because I believe much more in the "see you later." I firmly intend to keep a regular correspondence with students, friends, colleagues.
But, what will happen when I go somewhere new, move to a new city? Where will I be without the ability to walk downstairs and commiserate about homework with my roommate? What will I do without the immediate and present guidance and support of my supervisor, colleagues, fellow grads, friends, professors, mentors? What will I do when I can't eat Gordos on the reg? (I'm not really joking with that last one.)
Now is the time that I've quite honestly been terrified of for the past three years or so: the real world. Not that my time in Tallahassee and at Florida State has NOT been the real world; on the contrary, I feel beyond prepared to take on the challenges of being a professional and a full-time grown up. But truly, I won't have school to fall back on. I won't have the excuse, "Oh, I'm a student." For while I will continually learn, that won't be my full-time job anymore. I will be an independent adult. Which is pretty gosh darn terrifying. (And exciting. But mostly terrifying.)
For now, though, I still have a week before I'm officially done. I'm going to take my own advice and focus on being present in the present. I'm going to finish out this next week strong. I'm going to celebrate Aggie Muster Day tomorrow, and reminisce about where I come from and the people who got me here. I'm going to enjoy every minute with my friends, colleagues, and family.
Because I'm graduating in a week.
*cue Vitamin C*
