What’s life after school like? I recently had a heartfelt chat with my friend Priscilla, a 23-year-old fresh graduate from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye. As she steps into this new phase of life, Priscilla is going through a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and everything in between. She opened up about what it feels like to graduate, her lessons, and the pressures of this transition. Her reflections offer a glimpse into what many recent graduates experience and might even help ease the pressure for others. Here’s how our conversation went:
Esther: Did you graduate with a plan for life after school?
Priscilla: Yes, I did. But honestly, God and life are the ultimate planners—you can never predict everything.
Esther: Do you miss being in the university?
Priscilla: Yes. A big YES.
Esther: Why?
Priscilla: University helped me discover myself. Growing up, I was always told to stay quiet and to keep my opinions to myself—even when I knew I was right. I used to shrink into the background. But when I got to university, I found my voice. I learned to say what I was thinking and to stand my ground. The freedom to express myself and the things I learn every day are what I miss the most.
Esther: How did you feel after writing your final exam?
Priscilla: I felt this incredible sense of freedom like a heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulders. At the same time, it was bittersweet. I was happy to leave behind the stress and challenges of school, but it was hard to say goodbye to my classmates and the friends I’d grown close to over the years.
Esther: Do you think there’s something you could’ve done differently to feel more prepared for life after school?
Priscilla: I wish I’d taken the time to learn something new, like pursuing a professional course alongside my degree. But honestly, it would’ve been hard to juggle both. There’s this saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” Looking back, I know focusing on my main field of study was important, but I still feel like I could’ve done more.
Esther: Are you feeling any pressure—from family or yourself?
Priscilla: None from my family. The pressure I’m putting on myself is more than enough.
Esther: What kind of pressure are you putting on yourself? I have big dreams and goals, and I’ve set timelines for when I want to achieve them.
Priscilla: I feel like time is running out, so I’m constantly pushing myself to do more. For instance, I want to own a bakery one day, but to get there, I need to start small. I’m already a chef, but now I want to go all in and learn baking full-time.
Esther: What’s one lesson from the university that will stick with you forever?
Priscilla: Patience. I learned to tolerate and work with people from all kinds of backgrounds, even those whose personalities clashed with mine. I also learned to trust my instincts and not be too quick to trust others, no matter how nice they seem. Most importantly, I discovered that hard work does pay off. If you want results, you have to put in the effort.
Esther: What are you most proud of?
Priscilla: I’m proud of myself for making it through the toughest moments—especially with some lecturers who seemed determined to make things harder for me.
Esther: Do you feel like your life has just begun?
Priscilla: Not really. I think fresh graduates need some time to breathe before rushing into the “real world.”
Esther: How do you feel when people ask, “What’s next after school?”
Priscilla: It feels like they’re waiting for some big answer like they expect to see instant results. It can feel overwhelming.
Esther: Do you think your academic experience prepared you for the professional world?
Priscilla: Yes, in every way possible.
Esther: Do you plan to pursue a career in your field of study?
Priscilla: No, I don’t. I wasn’t interested in the course I was given at university, so I just studied to pass. Now, I want to follow my passion instead.
Esther: How did it feel studying a course you didn’t like?
Priscilla: At first, I was really unhappy about it. But someone told me to make the most of my time in school because four years isn’t a joke. That advice stayed with me, and I decided to push through.
Esther: How do you feel overall about life after school?
Priscilla: Honestly, I feel like an unemployed citizen right now.
Esther: If you could talk to another recent graduate, what would you say?
Priscilla: Take it easy. You don’t have to figure everything out at once, and that’s okay. Trust God, and focus on improving yourself every day.
Esther: If you just finished school and you’re reading this, wondering what your life after school experience will be like, remember this: success isn’t about living up to other people’s expectations. It’s about finding fulfilment and happiness in your way. Follow your heart, choose a path that aligns with your values, and don’t be afraid to embrace your uniqueness—it’s your greatest strength. Stay persistent, even when things get tough. Every small step counts and hard work always pays off in the end. You’ve got this.
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