Walking across the symbolic stage last June at graduation, I was hit with gratitude for my time at Stanford, but simultaneously looming sadness and unwavering uncertainty. On the Farm, my routine was the anchor that kept me grounded. Suddenly, campus wasn't mine anymore. I had to find a new home with new communities—all while adjusting to adulthood. Here are lessons from my first year post-graduation.
Finding Your Footing
On the Farm, I knew of the communities I was involved in, the spaces I felt like myself, and what the next day would bring. The routine that I had built for myself was the anchor that kept me grounded during periods of stress. And for the first time in four years, the campus and routine where I had found a home suddenly wasn’t mine anymore, at least not in the same way it always was. Suddenly, I had to find a new home with a new routine and new communities—all while adjusting to the realities of being an adult. In the face of such grand changes, here are the lessons I’ve learned in my first year post-graduation and the advice I’d give to a senior entering the world as a young grad:
Be intentional with your time
While everyone’s schedule may look different, after a long day at work or in class, it can be easy to commute home and fall into a routine of unintentional screen time. Being intentional with my time—both on the weekends and on weeknights—has allowed me to schedule my days with fulfilling activities like eating dinner with friends, reading new books, exercising, and more.
Pursue new hobbies—don’t be scared to fail
It can feel like there’s an expectation to continue your extracurricular activities from college once you graduate, but trust me, there isn’t. You can easily drop all of your old hobbies and pick up new ones. Join interest groups, clubs, or even take classes in something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t. It’s a foolproof way to find community and sometimes even ignite new passions!
Continue setting goals
Even if they’re small, aim to consistently set new goals for yourself in order to continue growing and striving for more. It can be easy to become complacent. Whether it's trying a new recipe each week, going for a walk after work, or attending a book club once a month, any goal is a great one.
Say yes (and no!)
As someone who often tries to please others, it can be draining to constantly say ‘yes’ to plans I know, deep down, I might not enjoy. Even though I know that social time is definitely good for me, I’ve been learning to listen to myself and take note of moments when I feel tired, quiet, and like I need a relaxing night at home by myself. On the flip side, I’m also someone who is risk-averse. Lately, I’ve been saying ‘yes’ to plans that make me nervous—going to dinner with new friends, grabbing coffee with a mentor, or joining a book club. Forcing myself out of my comfort zone helps me grow.
Give yourself grace
This journey is not going to be easy! It hasn’t been for me, at least. With any big life change comes lots of ups and downs. What may be a cake walk for you might be really challenging for someone else, so keep that in mind as you and your circle traverse these life changes together. It’s ok to have a bad day, week, or month. You can get through it, just like you always have! The Flourish will always be here as a resource, even once you graduate—it surely has been for me.
Written by: Chase Kalvon, Class of 2025