Learn about guidance and advice on transitioning into the post-college journey
After the four year journey of classwork, exams, term papers, and restless nights studying, the transition into a post college life can be an anxious journey for some. Despite no longer being an undergraduate at a university, upcoming and recent graduates must approach this opportunity not only as a transition, but also as a transformation.
One way to contribute to this experience is the collaboration of fellow APU alumni to maintain and develop more meaningful relationships made during the transformative journey at APU.
Utilizing resources such as technology for networking and connecting opportunities is an excellent way to maintain fruitful relationships during this time of transition. Upcoming graduate Gissel Lopez (Journalism 26’) shares her intention with staying in touch with the fellow APU community:
“Social media is how I plan to keep up with people’s lives. Through social media, you’re able to keep up with the best days of their life and if they choose to post, the worst. You’re able to connect with them, comment or reach out, offer encouragement or a prayer. It’s really important to keep up with people because you never know where you’ll see them again.”
Gissel later emphasizes the importance of the APU community staying in contact with one another:
“They might be working at a company that you’re interviewing at later so being able to have some sort of connection with them and connect on a personal level in the future can go a long way.”
With the feeling of being overwhelmed, upcoming and recent graduates should view this journey as a transformation rather than an unsure benchmark.
Azusa Pacific staff and faculty serve as a resource for guidance and inspiration as opposed to solely instruction. Philosophy professor Amy Umana shares a bible verse that comforts and inspires those currently on the journey to a new chapter.
“Congratulations, Graduates! The exciting world awaits. Go about the world with joy and enthusiasm. Be creative, ambitious, loving, truthful, and passionate. If doors close, open new ones. Don’t worry about one path not working the way you planned. Remember that God’s plan is the one that will come to fruition, ‘So…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.’ (1 Corinthians 10:31)”
Upon the season of graduation it is critical for students to possess patience and enthusiasm for their next opportunity in life such as grad school, post-college job, or any other journey the student selects.
Whether current student, recent alumni, or past alumni, Azusa Pacific Community encourages its community to maintain the sense of belonging in a real-world environment. The journey from an undergraduate student to a college graduate is not only a transition, but also an experience that is transformative.