College Grads: You've got this

For college grads

In this short solo-episode, I hope to send a message of encouragement to college grads.   

Standing at life's crossroads after graduation doesn't mean you need to have all the answers—just take that first step.  You've got this. 

The path reveals itself through action, so it's important to make a start.

Key Takeaways

• Feeling uncertain is normal and where the significant growth begins
• Life isn't about having a perfect plan, but about learning as you go
• A recent reunion with former Texas Tech University students Traci Balmos and Jarret Mallon reminded me to stay open to change and curiosity
• Growth happens through bold, unprepared action rather than waiting for certainty
• The metaphor of driving uphill—you can't see what's ahead but the view becomes clear as you move forward
• Potential isn't about perfection; it's about perseverance and practice

If this message resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need encouragement. If you have a story to share or know someone who does, reach out to me at judyoskam.com.

Hi Friend - If you’re enjoying Stories of Change and Creativity, make sure to follow, rate, and leave a 5-star review—it helps more people discover the show.

Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.

Episode Transcript

Judy Oskam (00:04):
Hi everyone and welcome to Stories of Change in
Creativity.
I'm Judy Oskam professor andlifelong learner, and on this
solo episode, I want to talkdirectly to our recent grads and
really anyone standing at acrossroads, unsure of the next
step, at a crossroads, unsure ofthe next step.

(00:28):
I've been thinking a lot aboutour graduates as they leave the
university with their diploma inhand.
Some are starting a new career.
Many are searching for thatvery first job after college.
It's a real time of change, buthere's the truth.
You don't need to have it allfigured out, you don't need all
the answers, you just need tostart.

(00:48):
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 studentscelebrate by jumping in the
river.
Some of you are thinking nowwhat.

(01:09):
Reality sets in and thequestions 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 growthbegins.
Life isn't about having aperfect plan.

(01:32):
It's about taking action,learning as you go and figuring
it out along the way.
Well, that's not something thatI just teach.
It's something that I live.
Most of my life I've lived thatway.
It's important to stay open tothe magic At least it has been

(01:54):
for me and last week I had apowerful reminder of why this
mindset really matters.
I had a chance to catch up withtwo students from the very first
university class I ever taughtmany, many moons ago.
This was at Texas Tech TraciBalmos and Jarrett Mallon.

(02:17):
Well, that was years ago, butsitting down with them last week
and hearing about their lives,their journeys, their ups and
downs, it reminded me of howimportant it is to keep learning
from and with each other.
We laughed about some classroommoments and some classmates.

(02:39):
We shared career updates andreflected on how much has
changed, and yet we also talkedabout how the heart of the work
stays the same the values, andTracy and Jarrett have great
values.
They show up, they do theirbest and they stay open to

(03:00):
growth and change.
Seeing Traci and Jarrettthriving and adapting and still
curious well, for me, that'swhat it's all about.
Over the many years, they'veboth had some great career and
life experiences, but the pathwasn't always clear.
But they started and they keptmoving forward.

(03:24):
But they started and they keptmoving forward.
I'm so proud of those two andam honored with any time they
can share with me.
I love sharing the journey, sohere's what I want you to

remember (03:37):
Potential isn't about perfection.
It's about perseverance andpractice.
Growth happens when we takebold, unprepared action, and you
don't have to know thedestination to begin the journey
, you just have to start.
If you're a new graduate ormaybe you're starting something

(04:01):
new, a move, a job, areinvention, take a deep breath.
You've got this.
You don't need every answer.
You just need the willingnessto take the next step.
And, trust me, the path revealsitself as you walk it.

(04:22):
You know how it is when you'redriving uphill and you can't
quite see what's on the otherside.
There's a little bit of fearthere and you're not really
certain, but you keep movingforward anyway.
And then suddenly the roadopens up.
The view becomes clear.
That's how life works too.

(04:44):
Keep going.
You've got this.
You deserve to be here and youcan do it.
If this message resonated withyou at all, please share it with
someone who you think mightneed a little encouragement, and

(05:04):
if you've got a story to share,or know someone who does, reach
out to me at judyoskam.
com.
Thanks for listening.