Congratulations, Class of 2009. You may now move your tassels to the left of your cap.  

It’s May which means it’s time for Mother’s Day…and weddings…and college graduations. 

Last weekend, I attended a local university’s graduation ceremony. The commencement speaker—a notable judge—was engaging, hilarious, and sincere. Of course, he followed commencement protocol by peppering his address with vivid anecdotes and memorable jokes. He charged the graduates to pursue excellence, grab hold of their bright futures and on and on. 

One line stood out to me, though. “During college you should’ve gotten to know who you are and who you are destined to be. By now, the two people should’ve met,” the judge said. 

I penned it in my journal as soon as I got a chance. I thought the adage was well put.  

After some reflection, though, I now disagree with that notion. You see, these days there’s hardly a person who knows him or her true self by the time commencement rolls around. If anything, the milestone of college graduation day sends many young folks into an identity frenzy.  

What professors and advisers don’t tell students is that most twenty-somethings experience a Quarterlife Crisis, or a period of turbulence and paranoia sparked by entering full adulthood. Okay. It's like in Rent where the seven young adults struggled to manage their career directions…and their health, finances and romantic lives, to boot. Just like Rent, many young adults—Christians included—tell themselves that time is flying while they still haven’t gotten themselves together. 

To be honest, some folks do need a healthy dose of responsibility and enlightment. But I’m speaking mainly to self-directed, conscientious and sober-minded twenty-somethings who wrestle with feelings of inferiority. It seems they’ve failed. 

By whose measurement, though?  

Take it from someone who toyed with law school (and non-profit management and freelance journalism) your calling is like puberty. If you haven’t gotten it yet, don’t worry; it’ll come in its own timing. 

Realize that it is through prayer, self-examination and mentorship that you will really discover what it is that you are supposed to do with your life. Back in 2003, I told Vanessa, my BF, that I wanted to be a Christian writer. Six years later, my desire is materializing. I thought it unwise to change majors from journalism to literature. Some folks (not Vanessa) concurred—indeed, quite vocally! God has allowed me, however, to have peace with the fact that I’m supposed to do literature. It all gelled. The written word has become my bread and butter. 

Who’d a thunk it?  

Don’t panic when you see other folks charging ahead with what seems like little effort. Be productive, but stay in your own lane. Journal your heart’s desires. Write down your strengths and weaknesses. Take a personality test and seek counseling from a career specialist. Avoid the temptation to grow idle as you await clarity. Don’t recklessly experiment with many jobs. Instead, venture into a few avenues with strategy and vision. Pray several times throughout the day for direction. And, for goodness’s sake, never mind prestige! 

Keep pressing. 

The person you are and the person you are designed to be may not be acquainted yet.

Forge ahead, anyway.