Murphys Law Gone Right

There is so little time left, I can barely think about it without becoming depressed.  So, instead of dwelling on the soon-to-be-past of “my time in college”, I figured I would spend the majority of this post looking forward to the we’re-almost-adults-future.  Basically, I just want to brag about how amazing all of my friends are and how I am sure I will one day be at a dinner party and get to say “I knew her/him in college…”.   I can also tie this back into the “why Hopkins?” question because I honestly believe the success of my friends has encouraged me to become or want to become successful as well.

A truth universally acknowledged is that every graduating senior is in want of a job.  In fact we all freak out about what happens next.   You might have noticed that many of my posts over this last year have dwelt on my fear of the job market and the unknown future.  At a certain point, I began to accept it.  And well now, I’m forcibly embracing it.  To be perfectly honest, I have a sort of job arrangement.  I’m going to speak in abstract terms because a) I’m still confirming the position and b) I’m not sure about confidentiality policies yet.  Don’t want to ruin a good thing!  Anyway, I’m going to be a paid intern with this political fundraising/consulting firm and by December I will either have a job with them or will be ensured a job somewhere else.  In essence, I somehow met with one of the most successful fundraisers in D.C. for what I thought would be an informational interview, but ended up getting what could be described as an offer I couldn’t refuse.  As such, I will be working for this consulting firm as they start-up/formulate a non-profit dedicated to the belief that political issues can be handled beyond party lines.   I imagine it will be a very busy time to be working, and I’m quite excited.  The premise of the non-profit is to allow Democrats, Republicans, Independents to come together and speak about the issues that matter without the unnecessary political partisanship.   Personally, I think the premise is great and something I truly believe in.  So that’s my plan as of now–work there until the December Launch and let the chips fall as they may.  I actually considered and was accepted to a campaign fellowship program, but am turning it down as I think this will be the best course of action for me.  Plus, this job allows me to return to my old haunting grounds–Washington, D.C.  While I plan on commuting for a little bit while I still have my apartment, I’ve already become obsessed with Craigslist and am checking everyday for a great place to live.

I consider myself extremely lucky to know where I will be–at least until December.   However, many of my other friends have figured out their general plans  as well, and I couldn’t be more proud.  Quite a few friends will be attending graduate school: one attending GW Med School, another going to Columbia Law, and many getting their PhDs from schools like Yale and Berkeley.  In addition, somehave committed themselves to a two year program like Teach for America or the Peace Corps–(my freshmen year roommate was just assigned to Cambodia!).  In addition to this, I even had two friends receive Fulbrights!  Many were also hired at finance firms and engineering firms, while others have received jobs in marking and public relations.  Some are even traveling across the country to work in various science labs and perform research.  I honestly couldn’t be more proud.  Every time I think of what my friends are doing, I am amazed.  Like I said, one day I will be at a dinner party and their names will be brought up and I shall say “Oh so and so is a friend from college”.  Whether they are changing the medical world or the developing world or both at the same time, the people I am certain the people I have met at Hopkins can and will change the world.

Figuring out what to do after graduation seems like an overwhelming process, but these last few months has helped me believe everything will work itself out.  People don’t have their whole lives mapped out, but many have stumbled across something that will entertain them for a while.   As everything seems to come full circle and wrap itself up, I can’t help but be nostalgic.   The people I have met in college have driven me to succeed.  If it hadn’t been for my other friends wanting to do well and getting internships, I don’t know if I would have decided to try living in D.C. for a summer or work abroad for the State Department.  I am so happy to have spent four years here living and learning and can’t wait to see what the future will hold and where everyone will end up.   Well, I suppose I didn’t give any advice on how to find the perfect job for you, but as I said, its something you stumble upon with a little serendipity.  What I hope to have provided is a little perspective.  The people you will meet at school will amaze you, so get ready for a wonderful ride. Good luck making those final decisions!  Until next time…