By Emily Hernandez Dominguez, Managing Editor
As the calendar turns to April, university seniors across the country are beginning to see the finish line of one of the most significant chapters in their lives.
Cap and gown deliveries have begun, photographers are being booked for senior portraits, and planners are marked with a bright highlight over one of the most anticipated words of the year: “GRADUATION.”
With that growing sense of excitement comes an undercurrent of anxiety and uncertainty.
Beneath the celebration lies the quiet question that echoes in many seniors’ minds: “What’s next?” The symbolic turn of the tassel doesn’t just represent the end of college, it signals the start of a brand-new chapter, filled with unknowns.
For many, this transition is exhilarating. After years of hard work, long nights, and countless cups of coffee, they’re eager to chase their dreams. But for others, the future feels overwhelming. Some are still figuring out what they want to do. Some are worried about finding a job in their field. Some are simply trying to take it all in—one step at a time.
“I was very anxious about life after university,” says Nicholae Robinson, a 2024 graduate of Saint Leo University. “I love planning ahead and life after university was not as straightforward. I had no idea what I wanted to do.”
Life after college graduation is, in many ways, more intimidating than life after high school. High school seniors often have a structured path ahead: college, a technical program or job training, with guidance from counselors, family, and their school.
But the post-college world doesn’t come with a roadmap. There are no set schedules, no clearly marked assignments. Just a blank page and the challenge of filling it in. The journey ahead looks different for everyone, and that’s part of what makes it both exciting and terrifying.
“I was definitely nervous, but also very excited for the future. I couldn’t wait to take what I learned in college and be able to apply it towards a career,” said Alicia Sillen, a Saint Leo alum from the Class of 2024 “Change is always nerve wracking, but I always try to see it as an opportunity to experience something new!”
Stress is a common experience for many college seniors, and job prospects and job security are among the top concerns. Florida had 503,000 job openings in Jan. 2025, up from 464,000 in Dec., according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Still, many students may find it difficult to locate openings tailored to their field or interests.
The Class of 2025 is also navigating a unique set of challenges that previous graduates may not have faced.
One of the most pressing is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. As AI technology continues to evolve, some students worry that their future roles could be replaced or significantly altered.
However, Sillen, offers a different perspective. Rather than fearing AI, she sees it as a powerful and resourceful tool that can support her career goals.
“AI shouldn’t be something people are afraid will replace jobs, it’s actually a very useful tool to assist you at your job,” Sillen states. “A professor at SLU made a great comparison: when the computer was introduced, everyone thought they would replace secretaries’ jobs. But that job was replaced with people who knew how to USE computers.”
As seniors, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of passing classes, preparing for graduation, and thinking about what comes next. But before diving too far into the future, take a moment to soak it all in.
Before you know it, you won’t be walking to class, enjoying the view of the lake, or catching up with friends at Benedict’s between lectures. Let yourself be present. Celebrate the journey and the accomplishments that brought you to this moment—you’ve earned it.
If you’re a junior or underclass man reading this, know that graduation day will come faster than you think. Now is the perfect time to start preparing for life after college—mentally, emotionally, and practically. One way to do this is by creating a vision board or a simple guide for what you hope your post-grad life will look like.
The key? Don’t make a rigid plan. Life is unpredictable, and if things don’t unfold exactly how you imagined, you might end up feeling more stressed and overwhelmed. Instead, create something flexible and uplifting.
Your vision can include anything from planning a fun trip, taking a beach day, or spending more time with friends and family, to applying for internships or exploring job opportunities. Give yourself something to look forward to.
“My main advice is to utilize your friends/connections for professional or personal support because this transitional period is when you will need it the most,” Rowe explains.
With graduation just weeks away, now is the time to pause and breathe. Let these final moments as a Saint Leo senior really sink in. Go to those campus events, take the long way to class, and hug your friends a little tighter. Don’t forget to take advantage of your student discount while you still can!
Remember: once a Lion, always a Lion. Each one of you is a light in this world. Be proud of who you are, how far you’ve come, and the person you’re becoming.
