| Many assumptions are made about how individuals are supposed to feel when they graduate college and yet the voices of college seniors are rarely heard in the higher education literature. This study explored how 12 women college seniors anticipate their graduation and emotionally cope with their transition into the post-college world. This topic was explored using phenomenological inquiry, using 24 interviews with open-ended questions with 12 full-time women seniors who were attending New York University during the Fall of 2015. The review of the literature and the interview protocol were based on the four dimensions of transition theory (Schlossberg, Waters, & Goodman, 1995). Research analysis was completed using the Listening Guide method which is a form of qualitative analysis that offers a way of listening that is designed to facilitate psychological discovery (Gilligan, 2015). Findings showed that the informants' use of movement imagery and I-statements revealed a predominant emotion of either excitement/pride or anxiety/apprehension. Six of the informants used language that revealed that they were moving forward with a sense of purpose and decisiveness as they anticipated graduation, with strong emotions of excitement and pride in their accomplishments. The remaining six informants used language that revealed that they were either stuck in place or being pushed along at an uncomfortable pace. These individuals had not yet found a sense of purpose or were undecided about their career. They were also filled with apprehension, worry, doubt, and sometimes panic. A second finding was that 11 of the 12 informants were able to articulate clear goals and plans following graduation. Many of the women were using a gap year after graduation as a cognitive strategy to earn some money, gain experience, and acquire knowledge before applying to graduate programs. A third finding was that nearly all of the 12 women seniors were navigating the post-college transition with little emotional support or advice from parents and peers. In addition, many of the women in committed romantic relationships perceived these relationships as a potential source of stress, usually because a long-term relationship might jeopardize their career goals and plans. |
