By LaKisha Watson, MS, LCDCI, Manager, AllOne Therapy
Graduation is a moment people often celebrate with joy, but what comes after? That part doesn’t always feel so clear. For many graduates, finishing school brings a lot more than a diploma, it brings questions, pressure, and quiet moments of “What now?” Just know…
It’s okay if the next step isn’t obvious.
It’s okay if you feel excited and lost at the same time.
Maybe you’ve landed a job. Maybe you haven’t. Maybe you are off to college. Maybe you’re moving back home or stepping out on your own. Whatever your story, you’re not behind, and you’re not alone
Your Identity Is More Than a Role
For so long, you’ve had a title, student, athlete, intern, overachiever. And now that structure is gone. That shift can stir up anxiety, self-doubt, or even sadness. Those feelings are valid.
Graduation is more than a milestone, it’s a transition. And transitions are hard, even the good ones.
For years, school gave structure to your life. Now, that container is gone, and it can be disorienting. You may even feel pressure to be instantly successful and to start adulting perfectly.
But here’s the truth: you are still becoming. And that takes time.
This Week’s Reflection
Give yourself permission to not have all the answers.
Ask yourself: What feels right in this moment?
It might be rest. It might be making a list. It might be saying, “I don’t know yet” and being okay with that.
What parts of yourself have been waiting to grow outside of school? What’s calling for your attention that didn’t have room before?
Your next step doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be yours.
If you’re navigating post-grad emotions or figuring out who you are outside the classroom, you don’t have to do it alone. At AllOne Therapy, we’re here to support you, wherever your next chapter begins.
To learn more, reach out to us.