"New Adult"

In May of 2021, I graduated college. After five years, three different universities, and three majors I got my Bachelor’s. Now, quickly approaching a year after graduation, I’m still not working in my field. Family is of course politely asking “do you have any feelers out there,” or sometimes impolitely asking “how come you’re not doing anything environmental?” My response is usually something like “I’m happy with my job now” or “I am doing environmental things I’m just not getting paid for it.” What I really want to say is “Yeah, I know what you’re thinking and I think I’m wasting my life too.”

Only, I don’t say that because I don’t believe it, but I do think saying it might get them off my case. No, I’m not using my education to get paid, but I am always using my education for something. Knowledge is not void just because no one is paying you for knowing it. I am happy with the work I do now, I’m a nanny and I volunteer for a company that is reforesting the world, I love that. I get to show kindness and compassion every day, I get to use my skills for real good, I get to make a mark on one family and the world.

I’m glad I haven’t been asked “when are you going to start using your degree” because I already am. My explanation may not make sense to everyone but I’m not trying to prove myself to those who can’t see all that I do. I don’t have a degree in empathy, purpose, or selflessness, but I learned all of those things while pursuing this degree. I graduated during a pandemic and instead of going to the actual graduation, I moved and then celebrated with my family and friends. It’s never been about the degree to me, but about the self-improvement that comes with attaining it.

I worked so hard for my degree, in earning it I did so much more; I worked full-time to support myself and avoid student loans, for the most part, I greatly reduced my meat consumption, I met amazing people, I started to see that I am a small part of the bigger picture, and I decided my role would be one of service, not exploitation. This rant is starting to sound a little self-righteous but I am proud of myself for all these things, going to college isn’t just about making more money after and I don’t want to pretend that I’m disappointed I’m not profiting off my investment in the first year. I’m proud of who I am and I enjoy the life I live, why anyone would question why or how I’m doing so is beyond me.

If you’re this far in and wondering what the purpose of this post is, I’ll cut to the chase. No amount of education, certification or degree can tell you who you are and how much you’re worth, no salary can do that either. I refuse to believe that I wasted my time just because I’m not working in my field just yet, there's time for that later but even if I never get there, I am so glad that I pushed myself to earn a piece of paper that’s still in the packaging it was mailed to me in. The life I lived to get that piece of paper shaped the person I am today and I love her. Life experience comes from living, I’ve got a lot more living to do and I’m sure I’ll keep changing but that’s kind of the whole point. I want you to know that your living, whatever it may look like, is not less than anyone else’s.

There is no right way to exist, we just are, I think it best to be grateful for the experiences you’ve enjoyed or endured. I’m a new adult, I’m taking my time to figure myself out and find my stride, I’m not going to feel bad for allowing myself to continue to grow after college. I hope that my story, and my opinion (not that you need it), helps you to find some relief if you too are a new adult navigating the world after graduation.