Is it really here? The day I always knew I’d get to, but never actually imagined reaching, is just around the corner.

Before I know it I’ll be walking down the aisle adorned in my long black robe with my tacky square hat that clashes so badly with my spiky hair style, accepting the diploma that declares that I have completed my college education.

I can still remember dreaming of this day in second grade when I had to finish my report on Argentine culture that I so didn’t want to do, thinking “I hate school, I can’t wait until I graduate college and I never have to go to school again.” Well that naive young boy has grown into a wise, educated, young man who’s reached the top of the mountain and ready to scale the even- imposing peak that is “the real world.”

That is the point I, and all other soon-to-be college graduates, stand at; the complex scenario of standing atop the pinnacle of educational success, yet facing the million dollar question: “What now?”

As much as we’ve accomplished, this is just the beginning. After the countless all-nighters, the numerous projects and term papers, the cram sessions to ace finals week, the heavy unit-loads, the tedious trips to class week after week, that was all just the set-up to put you in position to succeed at the next stage of life.

College, and school in general, is a series of tests; tests that prepare us for what we will face in life. Not just the tests we take on Scantrons and blue books, but every aspect of life in college is a test. Grades, relationships, jobs, bills and responsibility are all the tasks needed to make it on our own, and we are tested every day over and over.

College brings valuable experiences, both high and low moments that build us into stronger individuals: The elation of our highs teach us the success of hard work and the joys of life: Getting an A on the test you studied so hard for, the memorable times that only college can provide and finishing yet another semester and moving closer to the ultimate goal.

Meanwhile the pitfalls of life teach by example. Stressful school work, breakups, job insecurity, residential issues – these are all a test.  In either case, you must understand what the result has taught you and become stronger because of it.

The most valuable knowledge we’ve gained from school was never taken down in any notebook. We’ve learned plenty inside the classroom, but the real learned experiences that will help you on your path is what we’ve self-consciously learned outside of class: Social interactions with our peers, overcoming adversity that life inevitably throws our way, professionalism and independence. All these things have made us better, more well-rounded individuals, battle-tested and ready for the next test.

How far I’ve come since I took my first nervous steps on the imposing Cal State Fullerton campus. For all of you that have been a part of my CSUF experience, I want to thank you for taking part in my development, it is a collaboration of every person, place and affair that I have encountered here that has helped me grow into the person I am. And now as I step off the college stage and into the wide world that lies ahead of me, I do so with confidence, driven to be something amazing.

Now as I round my final lap of the education circuit, I cross the starting line of a whole new chapter at the next level.

All I’ve heard is that this is the worst time to be graduating, the economy’s current shape has created an impenetrable force that will crush us in our attempt to make it at the next level.

Do not feel you must jump right into a lucrative living working at your dream job to reach your potential. Relax, reflect on what you’ve accomplished and take some time to celebrate. After all, you’ve spent enough time stressing over school-related matters. The last thing you need to do is stress yourself over what you’re going to do from here. Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities.

The economy isn’t going to improve over night, but the future of it lies in our hands, so as we ease into the proverbial launching pad to the next level, go out there and be somebody. You’ve made it this far, and that alone proves that you have what it takes. Now it is your chance to shine. Shine for our generation, shine for CSUF and above all else, shine for you.

“What now?” Only fate knows, but go out there and make me proud, just as I’ll do for you. I hope my time here in The Corner has entertained you, because it won’t be the last time you see the name. The world is waiting, let’s show ‘em what we got.  CLASS OF 2009 IT’S OUR TIME!