I've been getting this question quite a bit recently... I graduated-What's next? I was accepted into a year long placement as an AmeriCorps VISTA- What will you be doing after that?
I know many people, including myself, who get annoyed with this question. But recently, very recently, I've tried to put a more positive spin on it to challenge myself in couple different ways.
Challenge #1: Use this cliche question as a way to investigate what may come next. No need to write things in stone, but my guess is that it can't hurt to start thinking a bit in advance. Though, I've gotta say, it is sometimes nice to not think about the future for a spell. Living in the present is great!
Challenge #2: Take the opportunity to be honest with yourself and others, by telling them the truth.
Example: I. Don't. Know. It is perfectly acceptable to tell people you are still thinking about what
you want to do and what will be best for yourself. You have to live each phase of life to
know what comes after. We can't all see years into the future, though some seem to do
just that and it is okay, too.
Example: Well, I have some options... List off your options and see what kind of feedback you
get. You never know which people might have life advice to pass along or have some
connections to help you get going. I think there's also something to speaking your
dreams; it keeps you accountable to them if people know what you want to do and
offers others a chance to lend you support.
I have realized I can't sit around waiting for the right opportunities to smack me in the face saying, "Here I am, your next step in life!" Though, wouldn't it be great if that were the case?? I think the result would be fewer sleepless nights, no anxiety, and a bad case of 'going through the motions.' Why think about my life goals if they're already planned out?! It seems there might not be as much devotion, excitement, and motivation for each task.So, what are my dreams, goals, and aspirations?? Here, I'll give you my top 20 as of now in this very moment...
- A very general life-long goal is to radiate Christ's love. He's made my life, changed the way I live, and so I want to share what He's given me with others.
- Go on a cross-country road trip to visit all 50 states
- Teach art to inner city kids
- Have dreads
- Write and publish a book
- Visit the 7 wonders of the world
- Learn to play the violin
- Design a house and have it built
- Own some chicken and cows
- Live in another country-right now I'm thinking Uganda!
- See a Cirque du Soleil show live
- Hike the Grand Canyon
- Found a community arts center in an inner city that would mentor kids through fine art, theater, music, etc.
- Go hang gliding
- Learn to ballroom, Irish, and swing dance
- Visit the San Diego Zoo
- Learn to survive in the wilderness, including how to shoot a gun/hunt
- Go ice fishing
- Vacation on each continent at least once, as well as visit Ireland, Greece, Rome, and Germany
- Have my own art show
Which one is up next?? I don't know... But these are my current options:
- Attend grad school to obtain some type of business degree for when I start a non-profit
- Complete a second year of Vista either as a member or leader
- Visit home, substitute teach for a while, then travel to Uganda as an intern for an extended amount of time
- Find an art teacher position
- Continue working at Mary's Place Refugee Outreach Center, while maybe starting grad classes
What are your dreams, goals, and aspirations?! I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!
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