Navigating Life Post University
Horrible. I mean, sort of. Apparently, in the sense of ‘I don’t have a big plan for my future, but I’m enjoying the ride’ kind of way. But I am not a person that decided to jump into a career once leaving education: I wanted a break. Deciding what to do for the rest of your life is something I wanted to give myself time to discover.
I feel even slightly hypocritical writing this article. I’m giving everyone the false impression that by the end, I would have figured myself out. I’m telling this story as if I would reach some resolution and assure the individual reading this that I now know what I am doing. But that’s not how it works, I don’t know what I am doing, and I’m happy this way. You have to let go of this idea that you must know. You don’t.
After university, I’m able to finally take a breath from education and have time to finally see life from a new perspective (as cheesy as it sounds). After realizing that there are no more classes or timetables, seeing your diary blank for the first time in years is invigorating. I get to decide what my days look like. So, what did I do? I rested. I took care of myself. I had time to catch up with my friends and family. I had the time to reflect on what I want out of life. After years of being in the education system, I am finally allowed to reflect on who I have become. Some mindfulness was really needed.
Over the summer, I decided I wanted to work some festivals because I had no restraints. So, I did. I worked with a security group and was a marshal at a bunch of festivals and events. I had the best time! I made so many friends and got to enjoy the festival whilst on and off shift. I essentially got paid for going to my favorite festivals. I think my favorite was Manchester Pride, as I got to experience so many different people and acts. I loved it! I am in the process of gaining my TEFL, which allows me to teach English abroad. As one of my goals upon finishing university was to go traveling, but sadly covid struck and that idea was put on pause. But I thought instead of abandoning the idea, I should enhance it. Take it one step further and again the ability to teach abroad and offer something to the place I chose to travel to.
I have also considered that while I have some time to myself, I should earn money in the way I want to. Or I should at least try. Hence the events and festival work. It was something I wanted to do but never actually did due to my workload. So, to continue on this journey, attempting to earn money in an enjoyable fashion, I started doing extra work on television shows, music videos, films, ect. Acting was always a passion of mine, and during university, it was put on the back burner. But now, I have the time to finally explore this passion. So, that’s what I’m doing. I’m acting and learning about the industry. I am saving money for my travels. I am learning more about myself and allowing myself time to heal and grow. I have been in education and working in hospitality for so long, I never truly learned about myself. What motivates me? What do I want out of life? How would I like to make a living? That’s what I wanted to learn about myself.
When most people come face to face with this new freedom, we get scared and turn back to our old ways. I encourage everyone to lean into this abyss of the unknown. It will reveal to you more about yourself than any textbook will.
Petition of the Month
My Afghan Family Is in Danger & in Immediate Need of Evacuation!
While the coverage on Afghanistan is slowing down & it’s stopped trending on social media, it isn’t only unfair to forget Afghanistan but it’s also oppressive. As residents of countries like the US which greatly contributed to the war in Afghanistan, we’re responsible to stand up, speak up, & help out.
Among many who suffered & continue to suffer in Afghanistan are me & my family members who are activists & religious minorities. At the end of 2015, my mother, an activist, was able to get out with me, but many others are left behind.
Now, my loved ones are in hiding due to their advocacy work for women’s rights & human rights. I cannot live any moment without feeling guilty. Some see me smile while others see how heartbreakingly that smile is. Currently, I have taken on three jobs while studying full-time in hopes of covering the cost of getting 15 people out of Afghanistan.
However, as a first-generation student, I have to pay for many other expenses in the US as well. I also need to rest & take care of myself in a global pandemic which has been impossible recently. So, for those of you who have the privilege of helping, please take a moment & click a couple of buttons to donate. You take some responsibility off my shoulder & let me navigate the legal work.
The world has made a business out of the lives of Afghans one way or the other. At the moment, it is with the price of visa application & lawyers’ fee.
We’ve raised 5k! However, the cost continues to be a problem. I paid a total of 4k for lawyers + waiting to pay another 5k for lawyers in Canada.
This is only a lawyer’s fee & the cost of a visa is separate ($600*15=9,000 [only for the US] & 500*15=7,500 [for another country’s visa to the US]). I haven’t even accounted for the cost of transportation, food, & hotel.
Your donation can go a long way. Amplify Afghan voices & help. Donate, share, & listen.”
Venmo: Sahar-wz
Spot Fund: link in bio
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/07f75521
Writing a Check: please message me (@zahrazwz)- Instagram