“Madison Gac.” They announce my name as I begin to walk across the stage. I’ve finally done it, I’ve earned my bachelor’s degree. After four years of hard work, I am finally able to say “I am done with school.” All of the memories made over four years, all the friends I’ve made, the new experiences I’ve had, have all come to this point and shaped me into who I am. 

I walk across the stage and accept my diploma. At this moment, I feel accomplished, but there is a tinge of worry in the back of my mind. How long will it take me to pay back my student debt? Will my salary alone be enough for me to make ends meet? Can I afford to move out on my own? The thoughts begin to cloud my mind but I push them away as I should be enjoying this day. 

Fast forward a few years. I drive home and pass wondrous palm trees and succulents lining my neighbors houses. I pull into the driveway and look at the slight shadows cast from my home on my front lawn and fully take it all in on such a warm evening. I walk through my front door and put my bag down. I put a mug of water into the microwave. Although Arizona has a pretty warm climate, I still enjoy coming home after work and making a nice cup of tea to unwind, since I can seldom be too warm. I open my mail and look at my bills: I make enough to cover living expenses, work towards paying back student debt, and still have just a little left to put into savings for myself. It feels empowering to be able to fully support yourself. I was able to move from my home state of Delaware to somewhere much warmer – like I’ve always dreamed of. I still return home a few times a year and keep in touch with my family at least once a week, something I always look forward to.

As for the job that allows me to live as freely as I’ve dreamt of, I love it. Working as a civil engineer for a private company is my dream job. Doing something I love means that I’ll never work a day in my life. That college degree has given me the opportunity to live and work in a dream climate and really has paid for itself in a way. 

Flipping back to the now, I can only speculate how my future is going to look, interweaving my dreams into what reality I hope to hold in the future.