Post Graduation Funk

Well, the big day has come and gone, and now that things are winding down, the college scene is about to become a big part of the past. In 2004, I entered college at the University of Northern Colorado as a naive and obnoxious freshman. Since then, I've transferred colleges, moved out and back into my parents house, gone on a mission, and struggled with some of the worst depression of my life. That rambunctious freshman whom I used to be and this handsome college graduate who I am now are two completely different people. Lots of things have changed in my life, and they will in yours, too.

The biggest question I have now is,

"Where do I go from here?!"

This question is on many peoples' minds. With the college degree in music education, I am now considered "highly qualified" to teach a musical ensemble anywhere in the United States. At the same time, I have studied privately with an amazing teacher on the bassoon. I could potentially audition for a symphony orchestra or tour with a military band. Yet another possibility exists, due to my overscheduling during my undergraduate degree, I could record live performances or do studio recordings.

Decisions, decisions... Again, the echo: Where do I go from here?!

At some point or another, it's time to face the facts:

1. You are now a "responsible" adult. That means it's time to act like one. Move out of the parents' house, get a real job, and start being a member of adult society. It's not weird, and it's not that scary. You've been getting prepped for this for 20+ years. Move into it and love it.

2. Make a choice of career, mate (if you haven't yet), and make it the best choice you could have possibly made. No matter what, whether or not you like your choice, that is the decision you made - stick with it. At least for a while, anyway. You might decide it is what you love to do and you could do it for the rest of your life.

The reality is that everyone goes through some kind of a funk at times, even after graduating college. Life goes on and time waits for no man (or woman!). What separates someone who does something with their life and someone who hates life is how they respond to challenges and opportunities. Does a challenge cripple you or do you live for it? Can you make a mountain with the sand before you?

Maybe you do something that has nothing to do with the degree you earned in college. That's ok, too. Just make the best decision you can and go with the flow. You were made to be something great, whether that's in your own eyes, your parents' eyes, or your spouse/loved ones' eyes. Don't let them down by not living up to your potential!