The Grad School Diaries: Episode 14 - The dreaded "What's Next?"

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[Sen. Miriam] introduced herself to me a long time ago—I think I was 13 or 14 years old—she came up to me and said “You’re Heart Evangelista, right? Hi, my name is Miriam Defensor-Santago. I have one question for you: With all your success right now, what are you going to do next?” – In her own words: Heart Evangelista

Right after I passed my comprehensive exam I was also asked:

After you finish your Masters, what are you going to do next?

I really dread the question.I thought by late twenties I got my life completely figured out, I was wrong. Especially someone like me who's not born out of a cookie cutter.

I amazed at some people who seems to have everything figured out. While some meet some one and fall in love during college, go through twenties together, be with each other for a decade or so, get hitched, have a baby and start a family, I have realized early on that I am different. I want something else.

I could have finished my masters and graduated this semester, but no. I am taking my sweet time trying to figure everything out. I've been reading some blogs of those in their early twenties to 25, they've been going through the exact same dilemma that I had when I turned 25. I mean, 25 is supposed to be the time you're ready for the next step, at 25 I was able to live alone, have a fabulous career, declare independence and live on my own in a 1BR apartment. Everything that I have imagined to be living sort-of Carrie Bradshaw like from Sex and the City, I was able to do that. But then, by the time I reached 26, I was confronted with a question: What's Next?

What's Next? I don't know.

I wish I could share wisdom but I really do not know. I'm facing my late twenties and I am just acting out on inspired thoughts with hope and positivity. While others around me have started settling down, I just try my best not to mess my life up by making intelligent choices and informed decisions.

Honestly, so far, it's been working out for me.