The question that every senior dreads: “What are you doing next year?” It is a lot like the little kid question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” except way scarier because 12th grade is getting pretty close to being grown up. It’s the easiest question to ask because it relates to everyone, so we (as seniors) get asked it at least once a day. I am glad that people ask me because sometimes talking out my “plan” helps me feel more peaceful with it, but other times it is just scary.
Saying something out loud makes it feel more concrete but it doesn’t have to be that way. My “plan” that I tell people changes all the time, almost weekly. If I am not feeling creative, I go with my basic plan I tell most people of starting school at UW Oshkosh to become a nurse. On an especially exciting day I might tell someone I will be going to the Philippians to become a missionary midwife, or maybe go to Brazil to learn Portuguese. If its on a day I found out I didn’t win a scholarship, I might say a tech school or working as a CNA. None of these things are lies, they are all maybes. All these options are genuine possibilities, I just have no idea what is actually going to happen.
Not knowing what the future holds is crazy scary, but it is also crazy good.
Not knowing the future brings a kind of adventure to life, it allows for dreams and hopes. Even though senescence of waiting it not fun, it can be tolerated if we learn to be peaceful with the unknowns and watch in amazement as life comes together.
So, what will you answer to the “big question”? Answer honestly, but give yourself some wiggle room and don’t be afraid to let them know that you aren’t sure yet. You never know if that grown up person has their own story of facing an unknown future.
Comment below if you are also struggling with figuring out life after high school or if you have any tips to share for those of us that are!
College Crazies 