The document discusses the author's process of determining their next career step after graduation. They reflect on questioning from family about post-grad plans and how their dreams have included imaginings of adventure and impactful work. The author evaluates their strengths, passions from childhood like animals and writing, and values like having a global impact. They want fulfilling, purposeful work that motivates them and makes a difference. Drawing from a Jesuit quote, the author's next step will be ignited by their passions and imagination to do meaningful work.

1. “What’s yourplan?”
“What’s yournextstep?”
“Do you have a jobfor aftergraduation?”
The barrage of questionshitme likeanincominggrenade,splittingoff intoall directions,the shrapnel
ricochetingthroughmybodyand mind.Undergraduate seniors are survivorsof the overwhelming feat
that ispost-gradquestionsatfamilyholidaygatherings.The future wasall that seemedtomatter.By
Easter withnosetplansahead,my eyeswouldglaze overatthese questions;mymouthspoke its
rehearsedresponsesandmymindwandered.
I have picturedmyself partingacurtainof leavesasI trekthroughthe AmazonRainforestwithateam
fromNational Geographic.Ihave imaginedmyself standingata podium, deliveringacall to sustainable
actionand a revitalizationof humankind’srelationshipwithnature.Ihave envisionedmyname onthe
coverof a NewYork Times Bestseller.
The destinationsof mydreamshave a multitude of “right”paths. The nextstepispickingapath to start
on.That iswhyit iscalleda step.
Thinkingaboutthisstephasledme to ask myself twomajorquestions:
1. What careerwill bringme personal fulfillment?
2. In whatway can I make an impactthroughthat career?
Because a careeris oftena reflectionof identity,animportantstepindeterminingwhatjobwill be most
personallyfulfillingisaself-evaluation.Whatare my strengthsandskills?Whatareasof myself doI want
to grow in?Howdo I want to be challenged?Whatpastpositive experiencesoropportunitieshave
excitedme?Whatmakes me tick?
In answeringthese questions,Ifindithelpful torevisitmychildhoodpassions.Ilovedanimals,writing
stories,andgoingon adventurestonewplaces.These passionshave notfadedbuthave rathergrown
and developedasI’ve gottenolder. Theycontinuouslyinformthe attributesandopportunitiesIseekina
career– to spendtime outdoorswithwildlife,totravel andtoshare mypassionwithothersthrough
writing.
Humanshave a stronginherentdesiretoconnecttosomethingdeeper. Asanindividual,Iwanttohave
a more global impactthroughmyjob. I considerthe atmosphere,communityandmy ownsetof values
and ethicsanddetermine whetherthe job andposition alignswithwhatIamseeking.Iaskthese
questions:Howcanmy actions,myjob,my dreams,make a difference?How canmycareer give me that
deeperconnection?
Time isvaluable. Idon’twantto simplytrade itformoney. I wanta reasonthat ignitesandmotivates
me to work formy career.Thinkingaboutthatnextstep isa deeply personal process,nottobe
flippantlydiscussedoverholiday appetizers. I hope bothtogive to and receive from acareer.
PedroArrupe,a Jesuitpriest,perfectlysumsuphow we shouldall approachtakinga new stepinour
careers:

2. “What you are in love with,whatseizesyourimagination,will affecteverything.Itwill decide
whatwill getyouout of bedin the morning,whatyouwill dowithyourevenings,how youwill
spendyourweekends,whatyoureadwhoyouknow,whatbreaksyour heart,andwhat amazes
youwithjoyand gratitude.Fall inlove,stayinlove anditwill decide everything.”
As an upcominggraduate of St.Joseph’sUniversity,myJesuiteducationhasinstilledinme adesire todo
whatI am passionate aboutandtomake a difference throughmyactions.Mynextstepisignitedbymy
passionsandimagination.