Features editor urges seniors to ignore "normal"

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My name is Thea Neal, and I’m 21 years old.

I graduate college this year.

And I have no idea what I’m doing with my life.

I came to college with grand visions of joining the college newspaper, then being scooped up by some high fashion New York City magazine. I would mingle with Marc Jacobs and Yves Saint Laurent, where we would trade clothing advice and wear big sunglasses.

I should have taken it as a sign when Yves Saint Laurent died.

Okay, so I got half of my goal. I’ve been a staple at The State News for six semesters, but as the hourglass empties, I realize that I’m clueless.

But luckily, I know I’m not alone. As seniors, we’re bombarded with internship interviews, job (or lack of) prospects, trying to pass 400-level courses to graduate, paying rent and doing homework.

And those are good days. There are the days where we realize we’re graduating college at the worst time in decades — a time when most of us face a huge chance of reluctantly cuddling right back up in our mama bird’s nest.

But I have hope. A colleague recently told me that your 20s are a time of exploration, an “Odyssey” of sorts. Although I’m no Homer, I think he’s right. What’s wrong with a little wandering? What’s wrong with moving out west with your best friend with a little more than $100 in your bank account? It’s these experiences that can turn us into better people, without having to focus on being a square employee.

For women, it’s crucial for us to embrace this time of exploration as seniors. It’s no longer 1898, where we’re popping out a dozen children before our 25th birthdays. We’re presented with more opportunities than ever before, and now is the time to seize them.

Your 20s no longer are devoted to an office. You’re no longer expected to work for the family business or find your spouse. Although there’s a gaggle of people who do choose this route, don’t feel discouraged if you’re one of the few who feels lost in the crowd of graduates. You’re not lost. You’re just taking a road less traveled.

And most likely, that will make all the difference. Sure, our parents might not approve. They might roll their eyes at us and they might scoff. But when it comes down to it, your parents want you to be happy — whether they say it out loud or not.

Aren’t you guys sick of everyone expecting you to follow the norm? In an age where we’re all supposed to be unique, it’s shocking how society still expects us all to be the same.

I mean, who do you remember from your high school? Do you remember the kid who worked in the law office and followed the rules? Not likely. But I bet you can name the girl who traveled the Midwest with her band, playing tiny gigs and meeting tons of people in the process.

Sure, maybe I don’t know what I’m doing with my life. I probably won’t know tomorrow and I probably won’t know the day after.

But when I find out, I’ll send you a postcard. Hopefully you’ll send me one, too.

To share your future goals with features editor Thea Neal, e-mail her at nealthea@msu.edu.

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