As a senior preparing for the real world in a few months, my mind is occasionally preoccupied by my worries and concerns for what my life after college will be like. I became overwhelmed with curiosity and had so many questions about where I would be after graduation. However, I can’t see into my future. So I decided to ask a few alumnus what their life after college was like. I was able to hear back from one former SVC student, Jose Ferrera, who shared his after college experience. I’m hoping that this is just the first of many after-college experiences I can share with you all!

Keep on Keepin’ On

By: Jose Ferreras ‘17

Life after college has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. After six long months of unemployment, I figured my life would never really begin. When I decided to visit SVC in early November, I didn’t have the best intentions if I’m being honest. I was extremely depressed and felt really alone; I wasn’t sure if I could “keep on keepin’ on”, you know? It was just too difficult at that point, and at times, I found that all of the work I had put in throughout my countless therapy sessions, was failing. I felt myself constantly retreating into the depths of my mind, a dangerous place for anyone to be. I needed an escape.

What I didn’t expect was that returning to Vermont was the antidepressant that I needed. I felt bad that I walked around campus, greeted old friends and peers, and essentially lied to their faces. I didn’t tell anyone the truth because I wasn’t looking for advice. I was exhausted at that point and just wanted to honestly say goodbye for the last time. But being around people, and being back in an environment that I had honestly grown to love, was enlightening for me. Almost immediately after returning back to NYC from my trip, I decided that I needed to move back to Vermont as soon as possible.

I know what you guys are thinking, “Why the hell would you want to move back to Vermont?” It’s pretty simple really. Vermont has been my home for the last four years. It’s where I spent almost every single day at and it’s where I built powerful connections that could help me get to my chosen career path. Honestly, it made no sense that I left in the first place.

Anyways, once I decided it was time to move back, my friends and I started looking at available jobs in the Bennington area, and long story short… I got a job at Bennington College! I’m currently entering my fourth week of work here and I’m really excited about where this job will lead me. There’s definitely a lot of opportunity for me and since it’s mainly 32 hours a week, I have three off days where I can focus on other activities – like my writing, since you know, that’s still a thing.

I guess my point is that sometimes the post-graduation thing isn’t as great as it seems. Sometimes, it may even feel impossible. But, that’s why we’ve spent all that time roaming the halls of these seven to eight buildings, isn’t it? It may not look like it right now, but SVC and the many opportunities it offers you are going to help you in the long run. Hopefully, it’ll be the stepping stone you needed. So, whatever you do, just keep on keepin’ on.

Cover photo from citifmonline.com