By: Sergio Santolo
Next week our fellow Marauders will be attending their convocation ceremony to celebrate both the past few years spent here and the new journey they are about to embark upon.
As I get ready to enter my final year of undergrad, a bunch of different emotions and thoughts fill my head, some of which may be similar to those of our soon-to-be alumni. I think about whether or not the path I chose is the right one for me and if I’m prepared for what lies ahead. In hindsight, it’s easy to think back to a time when you felt uncertain and judge the situation based on the information and experience you have now. I may not be able to tell you exactly what lies ahead, but I can share what I would like to hear if I were graduating next week…
Whether you’re graduating high school or university, a new chapter of your life is about to begin, and with that, a new level of uncertainty. This level of uncertainty can make us fearful and even doubtful at times. Uncertainty of the future and not knowing what lies ahead can be frightening, but it’s time to explore, take chances, and if you happen to fail, remember to keep moving forward.
When you start to see change as a positive event rather than a negative one, the shift in perspective can lead to greater rewards. I always hear people say “just make the best of it,” and that’s exactly right. By accepting change as a positive event and using it to your advantage to promote personal development, I think we can get better in-touch with our true potential.
No matter what trials and tribulations lie ahead, this is only the beginning. It will take some time before you find your groove again and that’s okay. Great things take time, patience, diligence, and stern pertinacity.
Our failures are a part of our success. Very rarely does someone succeed without having failed first. Opportunities to learn and evolve should be taken as learning experiences that will help you become the best version of yourself. Ever since pre-school we’ve been continuously tested so that we can learn from our mistakes. Now as new graduate, you will be tested in ways that no undergraduate exam has been able to test you. This shouldn’t be feared, nor should one be discouraged. If you’re ever feeling doubtful, always let your conscience be your guide.
Wishing all my fellow Marauders the very best.
About Sergio
Sergio Santolo blogged for the Student Success Centre from 2017 to 2018.