Graduation is thrilling — it seems you have worked your entire life for that one moment.  Every test, every homework assignment, every missed party has finally paid off.  You adorn yourself in traditional, if outdated robes and hats, and walk across that stage to the applause of family, friends and fellow graduates.

But graduation can also be terrifying.  Let’s face it: You more than likely have done nothing but school since you were 4 or 5 years old.  It’s all you know.  You’ve grown comfortable with the role of student.

I was in the same position just a year ago, struggling with the same fears, hopes and anxieties you are now, as were many of my friends.  While looking back, I decided to ask my friends what they would tell their senior-year selves around this time of the year.  I was awed by their responses.

Although coming from individuals from all walks of life, headed in many different directions, there were common themes throughout.  Many said they wished they had spent more time with friends, and less time worrying about the future.  Others spoke to the importance of making definitive steps in one area of their life.  Almost all would have told their past selves to simply relax, that, as cliche as it sounds, everything will turn out all right.

Here are some of their thoughts:

Major: Journalism and History.  Currently working as a digital strategist.
Don’t stress. Enjoy your last year of college to the fullest. Finish that senior bucket list of yours and make those memories. Life will fall into place and what is meant to be will be. Keep up those connections with your friends and continue to do so after graduation.

Major: Mechanical Engineering.  Currently working in space engineering research.
Finding a job and being a grown-up will happen eventually, but the time you have now with friends will also pass. Enjoy it while it’s happening.

Major: Pre-Dental.  Currently teaching English abroad.
Don’t let admission into professional or grad school define your outlook on life because there are many other opportunities that are equally as rewarding.

Major: Education.  Currently working as an elementary school teacher.
Great people are remembered for what they did for those around them, not what occupation they held. Everyone has influence so stop worrying about your occupation, and start worrying about your relationships because that is how you will be remembered.

Major: Nursing.  Currently in graduate school.
Soak up as much information as possible because this is the foundation you will be using for the rest of your career.

Major: Pre-Veterinarian.  Currently working at Walt Disney World.
Keep relying on prayer and faith.  Continue tapping into your passion. Explore more.  Wake up wanting to live life every day. Love your life no matter what’s happening in it.

Major: Physics.  Currently working for IBM.
If you’re thinking of asking someone out but are worried about the end of school, just do it. Long-distance relationships are hard, but not nearly so bad as everyone makes them out to be. What have you got to lose?

Major: Journalism and Spanish.  Currently at LSU Law.
Hang out with as many friends as possible and realize how special undergrad life is.  You’ll never have all of your best friends all in one town again.

Major: Microbiology.  Currently earning a M.S. in Microbiology.
Relax.  Making five- or 10-year goals is great but requires enormous flexibility since hardly anything goes accordingly. If you are working toward something, you’ll eventually make it, just at your own pace.

Major: Pre-PT.  Currently in PT school.
Ask yourself who you are and what is important now. Don’t fear if the answer isn’t right. If it is how you feel and you are being honest with yourself, it will be right.

Major: Environmental Science.  Currently working in environmental planning.
Continue to meet new people. Pursue what makes you happy … sounds easy, doesn’t it? Find the positive in your situation and if you really can’t find the positive, take immediate action to change your situation. No sense in waiting, I imagine that’s how people get stuck in ruts.

Major: Linguistics and Spanish.  Currently earning a M.S. at Georgetown.
Listen to your gut.  It will never steer you wrong, but it may steer you in a different direction than everyone around you.  That’s okay.

I hope that you can find some wisdom and inner peace through these reflections. We are standing on the precipice of a vast and promising future, but our lack of experience makes this future hazy and perplexing.  But the only way to determine if an endeavor will be right is to take a courageous step forward into the great unknown.  Take that step.

Rebecca Childress is a master’s candidate in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Gradually Getting There appears every other Friday.