¶ Welcome and Message to Graduates
Hi everyone and welcome to Stories of Change in Creativity . I'm Judy Oskam professor and lifelong learner , and on this solo episode , I want to talk directly to our recent grads and really anyone standing at a crossroads , unsure of the next step , at a crossroads , unsure of the next step .
I've been thinking a lot about our graduates as they leave the university with their diploma in hand . Some are starting a new career . Many are searching for that very first job after college . It's a real time of change , but here's the truth . You don't need to have it all figured out , you don't need all the answers , you just need to start .
As graduation season wraps up , we often get caught up in the celebration . We toss our cap in the air , there's hugs and handshakes and at Texas State , many students celebrate by jumping in the river .
¶ Post-Graduation Reality Check
Some of you are thinking now what . Reality sets in and the questions begin what do I do now ? Where do I go from here ? Am I ready ? Let me assure you you're ready . Feeling uncertain is normal . In fact , it's where growth begins . Life isn't about having a perfect plan . It's about taking action , learning as you go and figuring it out along the way .
Well , that's not something that I just teach . It's something that I live . Most of my life I've lived that way . It's important to stay open to the magic At least it has been for me and last week I had a powerful reminder of why this mindset really matters .
¶ Reunion with Former Students
I had a chance to catch up with two students from the very first university class I ever taught many , many moons ago . This was at Texas Tech Traci Balmos and Jarrett Mallon .
Well , that was years ago , but sitting down with them last week and hearing about their lives , their journeys , their ups and downs , it reminded me of how important it is to keep learning from and with each other . We laughed about some classroom moments and some classmates .
We shared career updates and reflected on how much has changed , and yet we also talked about how the heart of the work stays the same the values , and Tracy and Jarrett have great values . They show up , they do their best and they stay open to growth and change .
Seeing Traci and Jarrett thriving and adapting and still curious well , for me , that's what it's all about . Over the many years , they've both had some great career and life experiences , but the path wasn't always clear . But they started and they kept moving forward . But they started and they kept moving forward .
I'm so proud of those two and am honored with any time they can share with me . I love sharing the journey , so here's what I want you to remember: Potential isn't
¶ Encouragement for New Beginnings
about perfection . It's about perseverance and practice . Growth happens when we take bold , unprepared action , and you don't have to know the destination to begin the journey , you just have to start . If you're a new graduate or maybe you're starting something new , a move , a job , a reinvention , take a deep breath . You've got this . You don't need every answer .
You just need the willingness to take the next step . And , trust me , the path reveals itself as you walk it . You know how it is when you're driving uphill and you can't quite see what's on the other side . There's a little bit of fear there and you're not really certain , but you keep moving forward anyway . And then suddenly the road opens up .
The view becomes clear . That's how life works too . Keep going . You've got this . You deserve to be here and you can
¶ Call to Share and Connect
do it . If this message resonated with you at all , please share it with someone who you think might need a little encouragement , and if you've got a story to share , or know someone who does , reach out to me at judyoskam . com . Thanks for listening .