TCF 7: My Wish for The College Class of 2023

(TCF = The College Files) Celebrating Our Seniors. Hats Off to this year’s grads-to-be!

I know it’s hectic: finals are coming, school work is wrapping up, and you’re trying to make sure that you’re all set for graduation, no surprises. Cap & gown? Check. Graduation fees? Check. Class ring? Check. Graduation celebration? Loading... You’re almost there. But it’s okay to pause for a moment just to soak it all in and to savor what remains of your college experience. With that in mind, here are just a few words of appreciation and heartfelt congratulations:

Look at you… It’s May, Commencement time, and you’re so close to that goal. You’ve accomplished a lot, including a freshman year that was interrupted by Covid lockdown and online learning. But you made it. You’re here. And you’re approaching the best part of this life journey. What is the life that awaits??

I’m not going to wax sentimental (too much) here, but I do want to remind you of just how amazing you are, how much you have overcome. When the world stood still, you didn’t skip a beat. With only about a week’s notice, you learned to pivot, to shift from in-person to online learning. It was a love-it-or-hate-it adventure, but you survived, even if you had to opt for a pass/fail in some non-major courses to get through it. And although it’s been a bumpy ride to degree completion at times, you’ve stuck it out. So, don’t stop now.?

Finding new meaning–and involvement

College for many of you was the first take, the first step, at finding yourself. I know it was for me. You make lasting friendships, discover new music, new food and, hopefully, a variety of cultures. It’s a brand new day. And now, as you approach the end of this undergraduate ride, it’s a good time to think about how you want to leave and what you may leave behind. On a personal level, consider how you will stay connected to the friends you’ve made and the interests that you’ve developed.?

And if you, like me, are a bit of an introvert by nature, hopefully your college days pulled you at least partially out of your shell. Don’t lose that progress; instead, get involved in the world around you, through volunteerism and community service where possible. Spring is the perfect time for you to sign up for walkathons, park cleanups and summer programs that serve youth.

Some ideas for staying involved and connected:

• Creating a special whatsapp group or a grad chat to keep up with college friends.?
• Joining alumni groups and local chapters—for your college and Greek/service orgs.?
• Reviewing indeed.com’s “57 Professional Associations To Join To Boost Your Resume.”
• Signing up with local clubs and professional organizations to stay connected.
• Polishing up on speech-making skills with Ted.com or Toastmasters.
• Volunteering at food pantries like Community Food Bank of NJ, or checking Volunteer Centers of New Jersey’s website for more ideas.

So, wherever you see yourself landing after college, make sure to look for opportunities to get more involved. Feeling like part of a community beyond the campus will help you to feel grounded again. Plus, you’ll meet new people and create new memories along the way.

Well, you’re on your way. And just remember all of that when you feel like you can’t stomach another essay or quiz or Canvas assignment; know that you have what it takes. You’ve come too far to quit. Keep going. If you find yourself pulling your third or fourth all nighter (oh, how I remember those days), and delirium sets in, get some sleep and then keep pressing. I’m in your corner, along with countless others. So, keep in touch! And let the “Pomp and Circumstance” begin.

Regina Cash-Clark is a writer, speaker and associate professor based in New Jersey. She has been teaching at the college level for close to 20 years. Her work experience includes serving on the editorial staff of Essence magazine and working as a copywriter and?freelance editor. As a wife and mother of four, she values the importance of sharing and showcasing diverse voices.?

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