How Does It Feel To Be Graduated?

People have asked me consistently if it feels different to be graduated.

At first, I didn't know how to answer. Nothing was really different — it was just summer. Then, I didn't know if the question was fair. Were the different things consequences of my graduation or simply things that change from time to time? True, my recent love of sparkling pink wines is purely a product of graduation and good friends (as is my affinity for citrusy wheat ales) but what about the rest? I just nanny. I live with 5 girls, all but one who came from my college. I share a bed. I go shopping in the morning. I have an extensive coffee budget.

Then this week happened, and I can assure you, graduated life is different.

I painted a room into the perfect colors because I know I'll be there for a long time. Or to be more honest, I sat in a chair sending emails while my boyfriend painted the walls, because I've started dating someone who actually enjoys doing the things I hate and even more importantly, enjoys spending time with me. (And I assure you, the feelings are mutual).

I stepped into an office, met 4 chaplains, 5 sacramental life staff and a whole slew of graduate assistants who would be my co-workers on the north side. Sure, I interned there before, but nothing's quite like giving a woman named Cookie your social security and smiling awkwardly for your staff badge. Even retreat was different. Sure, I was a leader the year before. This year, though, I was the adult.

This week, I quit two jobs. I talked on the phone with one about how I hadn't planned to leave her family but that I needed to leave asap. I listened as she held back tears and told me how much it sucked.

I stood in a kitchen this morning with another mother I work for who I adore like a big sister, and stop her midway through her "I'm so glad you're leaving the other family and not me" celebration to inform her I was leaving both. Stood there as she cried. Stood there as I realized the kids would not understand.

This week, I interviewed and was offered a position the next day at the only job I applied for. I applied to one position, which would be perfect for me, and learned that it was what God had in store. I showed up today for my whirlwind training session and learned, for four hours, that my days would be filled with varied and interesting tasks. From filling out baptism certificates and photocopying commentaries to feeding homeless neighbors and planning all church events, my days would never dull.

So, when you ask me, the next time I step on campus, how it feels to be graduated. I will tell you it is wonderful and harder than I ever could have imagined, but I am so blessed.