To the class of 2021
Written by Laura Tobin
Well, we did it; we completed our university experience in the midst of a global pandemic. We deserve to scream, shout, and sing our achievements from the rooftops, I’m so proud of us all! So, what now?
I recently had a tutorial with my lecturer, and she asked what my plans were for life post-graduation and this simple question completely threw me off guard. She was asking out of curiosity, her intentions were good, but I couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed saying that I have no plan (my mates and I keep jokingly saying the Friends reference “I don’t even have a pla”). My honest plan for life post-university is to take a year out, remain in my job in hospitality and to brush up my portfolio— but I felt like I was such a disappointment sharing this with her.
I left that one-to-one tutorial really thinking about the dreaded question “what are you going to do next?” and how it has a totally different meaning to the Class of 2021. Planning for the future is a little scary and uncertain these days. The pressure of getting a job straight out of university is difficult in “normal” times; throwing in a deadly virus and several national lockdowns to the mix— it doesn’t exactly make it any easier.
After having this conversation with my lecturer and thinking about the topic a lot, it really made me realise how there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a break— in fact, it can be a blessing in disguise. By not rushing straight into work, it is allowing me extra time to perfect my portfolio, learn new skills and volunteer. University life has become a bit of a comfort bubble for me, so coming out the other side feels a little intimidating. Rather than rushing into a job, I think that by taking the time to do research and soul searching into my next steps will be beneficial in the long run.
Taking time off also allows you to recharge. My experience at university the last four years has been amazing; I am forever going to be grateful for my time being a student. Despite this, university is also a stressful experience. Constantly dealing with deadlines and thinking about your future for four years might leave you feeling a little burnt out at the end, so there is no shame in taking a little time to yourself.
I am a firm believer that valuable skills and opportunities can flourish from any situation. By meeting new people, trying new things, and putting yourself in different environments, you really don’t know what opportunities you may gain from it. It can simply just take one conversation with a new person to gain new connections and opportunities, and potentially even a new job!
The next time you are asked “so what next?”, just remember to do what’s best for you. Think of everything you have already achieved and how hard you have worked over the last few years—you completed your degree during a pandemic, I think that calls for some well-deserved time to relax.
After many months of feeling petrified for what my life will be like post-graduation, I am finally feeling so optimistic and motivated for this new chapter in my life. I can’t wait to see what the next year will bring.
To the Class of 2021, my main advice for you all is to take a step back, take little time off and some time for you, because, my friends, it is well deserved! The world, jobs, competitions, and everything else aren’t going anywhere, everything will still be here when you feel ready to come back.
I can’t wait to see what the next chapter will bring for us all!
About the author
Laura is a Photography graduate from Edinburgh Napier University and a Community Manager at Disgraceful Magazine based in Glasgow, Scotland.
Alongside her love for photography, she also has a strong interest in graphic design and illustration, which can be seen throughout her work.
She values the importance of spreading kindness and positivity, as well as drawing awareness to contemporary issues.
She recently curated the publication 'HerStory' which features a wide range of female creatives in the hope to promote their work and create a community.
