Post grad plans

I'm currently in this limbo period of life since I graduated from college and wait to start the next step of life. So, what's next?

Lots.

The reasoning.

               During fall semester of senior year I was pretty sure I wanted to enter the real world and work at as a "communications specialist" or "public relations representative" or "something that sounds as fun and cool." So I started applying for jobs. The salaries weren't great and I wasn't really hearing back from the companies I wanted to hear back from. 

               Then toward Christmas break I started to realize that maybe I didn't want to enter the real world...just yet. Maybe I was just following the path that so many of my peers were taking - finish school, find a job that pays well. It's what we're trained to do, right? But hardly any of my friends who had graduated before me and already entered the job force were thrilled or shouting joy about the real world. It just no longer seemed appealing.

              So I went back to the drawing boards of my life plan and asked myself what I really want to do, and how could I make that happen. I asked myself what am I really passionate about. What are the things, people, issues, hobbies that I can't go one day without thinking about. And I came up with the following list:

-I want to help those in need

-I want to improve the city of Atlanta

-I want to use my communications skills

-I want to interact with brilliant people and new people on a regular basis

-I want to travel...but not too much

-I want to learn something besides what I studied in college

-I want to be a positive role model

-I want to give back

The plan.

                  I decided that to sharpen myself as a person and as someone seeking employment, I should further my education. But not immediately. After four years of classes every semester (even summers), I'm taking a break this summer and this fall from school. I'll be working at my new job, which is a fellowship position, from June through December. Then, I'm planning to go back to school to get my Master's degree in Public Policy or Public Health starting in January. And I plan to get my PhD soon after that. So, I'll be a real college student for a little longer :)

The Georgia State Capitol at night...magical.

The job.

                     I get excited whenever I think about or talk about this incredible opportunity because it matches the list I made (above) almost exactly. I've been offered the position as a fellow in the Office of the Governor for the State of Georgia. The Governor's Fellowship Program is such a perfect fit for me because I have a strong interest in local government and public service. Since I haven't started yet, I don't know all of the fun details but I do know that I'll be in the Press/Communications Office and I'll get an in-depth look at the inner-workings of the Office of the Governor.

                     The job is at the Georgia Capitol, right in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, and it's seriously my favorite building in Atlanta. I cannot wait to go to work every day and be surrounded by brilliant political, legal, education, and world leaders! If you can't tell, I'm excited and really looking forward to starting.

The extras.

                     I'm a mellow Type A...meaning I have to stay busy with goals and projects, but I love short periods of nothingness too :) So in addition to preparing for grad school, working my new fellowship position at the Capitol, and blogging; I'm also working on the following:

-my second book, which will be less serious :)

-learning another language besides English and Spanish, I'm thinking Italian?

-creating an iPhone app

-continuing to speak to younger students about the importance of education

-and more!

How does that sound?