Couple of weeks ago, I never would’ve pictured myself in the place I am now.


Even though my first year at UVA seemed like two weeks ago, I Walked the Lawn, “wore the Honors of Honor,” and officially have my bachelor’s of science in nursing from UVA School of Nursing. In addition, I am recently engaged to the love of my life, who is also an officer in the United States Marine Corps.


Amid all of the changes happening in my life right now, I have come to realize that not having a job lined up before graduation isn’t all that terrible in the grand scheme of things. In reality, my situation is reflected among many recent college graduates, but in due time we will all (hopefully) be gainfully employed. Instead of comparing myself to the few peers who have jobs, I have decided to focus on the positive—which probably has something to do with the abundance of happiness in my life right now.


Of course, I would love to be blogging about my job—after all, that’s what I’m supposed to be writing about—but I feel like the journey I have been on while writing this blog has shaped me into a stronger person, with more patience and motivation to succeed. In a way, I am grateful for the journey I have been on and wouldn’t change a thing, including my job status. I have learned so much about myself and the entire job process in general that I believe I am a better person because of it.


I have learned that life isn’t handed to you, nor should you expect it to be. Hard work is required for success. Faith and patience are key. Most importantly, you cannot and should not stop believing in yourself. My mother always says that everything happens for a reason, and I finally believe that the right job will come when it is supposed to come and that I should look at life as a continual lesson, learning each step of the way.


I have started to buckle down with my studying for the RN licensure exam (NCLEX), devoting many hours of the day to reviewing and taking practice questions. Everyone always says that practicing NCLEX-type exam questions is the best way to study, so I have given myself up willingly as a prisoner of Panera Bread and their unlimited coffee refills for the next month or two studying for the NCLEX. I also have established some promising new ties to hospitals in the area, and of course I am continuing to pursue my search. The only thing standing in my way of becoming a “real” person is finding a place to start my career as an RN, and believe me, as soon as I get notification of my hire, you will be one of the first to know.