When it comes to graduation, it seems like we are dropped in the middle of a race and given the command “run.” Where to? How? I know the Career Center is open, but what about my dreams and passions? What about my friends, will they stay by my side or move away?

Many of my friends and peers around me are panicking. Did we make the right choices when it comes to getting our degree? The weight is extremely heavy, and the only way I can find comfort is to ignore the whole planning process altogether. If you’re a senior out there and you are reading this, just know that I also don’t know.

Some of you are lucky and love the next move you are going to be making in the next few months. Some of you are terrified, and the whole process makes you want to cry. Whatever you feel, it’s valid. Every adult asks us what we are going to be when we get to this point! But rarely do they ask how are we going to deal with it.

I’m not sure how I’m going to deal with it, but I can assure you that I’ll run as fast as I can. I’ll probably run without a goal, at first. Then, probably, run into some trouble. But something tells me that trouble will help me understand how to pace myself.

See, that’s the other thing no one really explains to us. I get the cliché about learning from failure, but I’d wish someone would break it down. In my view, the reason why “failure” is great is that it teaches us our limits — it informs us about ourselves and how we ought to run. We don’t really know ourselves unless we test ourselves. Turns out you’re bad with people? Work with books! Hate teaching in a classroom? Be a director!

I don’t really understand how, but humans have a knack for improvising and making stuff up as they go along. So, if anything, be excited to experience your own humanity, grad! Welcome to the human race. Our motto: “Just run with it.”