As the spring semester winds down, Saint Xavier University (SXU) seniors are experiencing a wide range of emotions as graduation day approaches.
For many, this milestone marks a significant transition from the familiar structure and routines of college life to the uncertainties and challenges of the real world.
The excitement and pride of completing their degrees are tempered by the anxiety of what comes next. With the ceremony just around the corner, students are not only reflecting on the years spent at SXU but also contemplating the future, which feels both promising and overwhelming.
As they prepare to leave the campus that has been their home for the past several years, many are facing a mix of nostalgia, anticipation, and uncertainty about the next chapter of their lives.
“I’m excited, but also nervous,” said Angel Escobedo, a finance student who graduates in the fall of 2025 and is also native to Chicago. “
Graduation is a huge step, and I’m looking forward to starting my career, but there’s a lot of uncertainty too.” Angel, who is set to return to JPMorgan for an internship in the Financial Sponsors Group, recognizes that this opportunity brings him closer to his long-term goals in finance and private equity. “But at the same time, entering the real world is a whole different experience.
There’s less structure than college, and the expectations are much higher,” he added. “There’s also the pressure to figure everything out quickly.”
The transition from a structured academic environment to the uncharted waters of professional life can be overwhelming.
Angel’s statement reflects a common challenge faced by many graduating students. The excitement of new opportunities is exciting but the anxiety of making quick decisions and finding their footing in a new, fast-paced environment looms large.
The unknowns of post-graduation life are a common concern for many seniors. With so much emphasis placed on finding a career after college, it’s easy for students to feel overwhelmed.
“It’s all about figuring out the next step,” Anabelle explained. “For some people, it’s about finding a job, for others, it’s about going to a city where they want to work. It’s a lot to think about.”
For Anabelle Powell, a native to Chicago and the area surrounding SXU, graduation represents not just the end of their time at SXU, but the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
“The memories I’ve made here are irreplaceable,” Anabelle said. “From all the friendships I’ve formed, SXU has shaped me in ways I didn’t expect.” Anabelle is excited to enter the workforce but expressed that the unknowns of post-graduation life bring some nervousness.
“I’ve been at SXU for four years, and now everything feels like it’s about to change. It’s a little scary, but also thrilling.”
As exciting as graduation may be, the challenges don’t end once students walk across the stage. For Anabelle, entering the workforce is a daunting task.
“It’s not just about finding a job, it’s about finding a job that aligns with your values and goals,” Anabelle explained. “There’s a lot of pressure to find something that will set you up for success, but no one really tells you how to make that happen.”
Despite the challenges, Angel and Anabelle feel confident in their ability to navigate this new chapter. “Balancing work, school, and leadership roles over the past few years has really prepared me for whatever comes next,” Angel said. “I feel ready to face the future and adapt to whatever it throws at me.”
Their time at SXU has helped Angel and Anabelle build resilience and adaptability which are qualities that will be essential as they embark on their professional journey.
The support from SXU’s community is another factor that helps Angel feel prepared for life after graduation.
“SXU has a community that encourages students to think critically and take initiative,” Angel said. “The relationships I’ve built here have made me feel confident, and they’ll continue to support me as I take the next steps.”
As SXU seniors look toward graduation, they acknowledge the uncertainty but also the potential for growth and success. Graduation signifies both an ending and a new beginning—a transition that marks the start of a new adventure for students ready to take on the world.
Whether it’s starting a new job, continuing their education, or exploring other career paths, the class of 2025 is preparing to walk across the stage, and as they take that step, they carry with them the knowledge, experiences, and memories they’ve built at SXU. No matter what the future holds, they are ready to face it head-on.
By Smith Patel