By Katherine Martin Executive Editor

The “What are you doing after graduation?” question is as haunting as the final email from FedLoan Servicing. But answering, “Going home” incites pitiful comfort, and the “Oh don’t worry you have time” response, immediately under the assumption we failed at getting hired.

Some would argue that going home is an excuse to put off adulting for a few months. I would argue we have been adulting for years now. Many of us handle jobs, status as a full-time student, and other time commitments like being a varsity athlete. As mentioned in “First Gen” on page 17, many students manage their own finances, work through loans, fill out taxes, and file FASFA with the help of Google alone. We have taken semesters and summers to explore new cities, understand landlords and subway stations, and work through long-distance relationships.

“Adulting,” otherwise understood as “success” is not defined by a 9-5 job, nor is a job needed to feel the pressures that come along with being an adult. As mentioned in “where are we going” on page 12, we are going to be Peace Corps members, new employees, world travelers, and returning home. All equally qualified adults.

Becoming an adult doesn’t happen the second you’re handed a diploma. It is happening in between all of the events that take place throughout your college years.