What does graduating from Texas A&M with an engineering degree feel like? Well, imagine making your favorite meal. You gather the ingredients, decide how you’ll cook it, and follow the recipe. After setting the table and choosing the appropriate utensils, you should have something delicious to eat. But in a fraction of the time that it took you to cook it, you finish the meal. And that’s it. It’s over.

As a student who graduated from Texas A&M last December with an industrial engineering degree, that moment went by very quickly, too. After 4+ years of school and countless hours of learning, it is still surprising to me that I’ve reached “former student” status. But Marc Bolan sums up my experience at Texas A&M best: “Time passes so slowly if you are unaware of it and so quickly if you are aware of it.”

The time between graduation and starting your first job is awesome, though. A lot of people usually take exciting trips abroad or to places they’ve never been before. I, on the other hand, chose to go somewhere familiar – Paraguay. Although still very exciting, I visited family and close friends for 29 days. Going to my parents’ homeland is always refreshing and has a way of bringing me back to center. If anything, it makes me appreciate what I have in life and find ways to pass it on.

Now, starting my first job as a professional with Zachry Group has been enlightening. I appreciate the people I work with, the responsibilities I have, and the many career opportunities I’m given. And in all honesty, it hasn’t been that scary. I’m very thankful for where I am and what is ahead for me in my career. That leads me to three things I’ve learned that have helped me transition from graduation to my first job:

1. Reflect on the Journey

It’s been a long time since I first stepped on campus. Taking time to look back and marvel at how far I’ve come is awesome. Journaling about my experiences, what I’ll take away with me, who shaped me to be the person I am today was a great start toward this reflection.

2. Be in the ‘Now’

When I finished my last semester, I tried to enjoy the process of graduating. From decorating my cap to planning my graduation trip, I found moments to be still and be grateful for what would become a very special day.

3. Write Down the Vision

Yay, I graduated! Now what? Well, after I enjoyed some time off, I identified my next goals in life. Graduating from Texas A&M was a huge milestone, but I know life doesn’t stop there. Writing them down also helps me for motivation and a reminder.

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