As May draws close, the air is thick with anticipation, signalling the impending graduation season. Not only do students want to make sure their grades are suitable to hit the pass mark but also the realities of adulthood and making big decisions is creeping up fast.
During my senior year, I felt adrift, seeking guidance from the school's guardian councillor was not much of a help to me, and so my anxiety was way off the roof. I watched as my peers from more stable homes confidently shared their post-graduation plans. Some will be backpacking across Europe while others will be attending their dream universities and colleges. Others chose to take some time off to find work while they sort out their future. Others didn’t know what they will do with their free time. Their clarity stood in stark contrast to my uncertainty.
Reflecting on my younger years, I recall the familiar question, “Francess, what will you be when you grow up?” Back then I knew it well. I was very sure of what my future will be. From grade one through six I was going to be a school teacher. Before high school, I was going to be a lawyer. But am not sure what happened during high school, but somehow I got lost. Some of the things that I taught I was good at, did not reflect the grades I received. Even though I excel academically, I still could not find that straight-cut, future career goal. I tried other courses like video production, music, dance and arts and I became even more confused. And then I concluded that being an artist would not give me the financial stability that I needed. Somehow throughout that whole confusion and listening to the narratives of some of the people in my community, I enrolled in a university.
Cultural expectations, especially for Black individuals, often channelled aspirations toward professions like law, medicine, or education. Feeling anchored by these expectations, I pursued a science degree, aiming for a healthcare career. Yet, after a year, I withdrew from university because I failed most of my courses that term. It took over six introspective years and a few career shifts to unearth my true calling. Today, armed with a degree in Public Relations Management and fueled by my entrepreneurial spirit, I've found my niche.
To the high school graduates navigating this pivotal moment of their next chapter:
I recognize the whirlwind of emotions you're experiencing as you stand on the brink of graduation. The weight of expectations, both self-imposed and from those around you, can feel overwhelming. Perhaps you've chosen a prestigious university, aiming to tread a path your parents envision, or maybe you're charting a course entirely your own. Amidst this noise, my earnest advice is to cancel the external voices and tune into your inner voice. This may sound clichéd, yet it holds profound truth.
Reflect on your inherent strengths and passions. What activities bring you joy effortlessly? In moments of solitude or melancholy, what pursuits offer solace and fulfillment? For me, journaling became a sanctuary—be it penning verses during heartbreaks or crafting melodies in moments of joy. Perhaps you too have a penchant for daydreaming, weaving intricate narratives within your mind. The crux is to introspect, recognize your unique talents, and cherish them.
Subsequently, align your career aspirations with these passions. Pursuing what genuinely resonates with you can significantly alleviate life's challenges. Whether your heart beats for gastronomy, envisioning a future as a chef, or you find solace in sketching, aspiring to be a designer, embrace it. And if the traditional career paths seem limiting, dare to carve your own niche. Our evolving world reveres creativity, as evidenced by groundbreaking entities like Apple or transformative platforms such as YouTube and Facebook.
Remember, the journey post-high school is riddled with uncertainties, and that's perfectly acceptable. Seek internships, engage in volunteer work, and explore the world. Often, the answers we yearn for can emerge from unexpected places.
To all graduates, congratulations. Embrace the journey ahead with curiosity and courage.