We have been waiting for this moment all of our young adult lives. We look forward to it, as if this one event can carry us through to all future promises of success. We announce it as a high achievement to be noted by our relatives and friends. We dread it as the final thud of a chapter closing that left room in the margins for exploration, socializing, and a bit of irresponsibility.

While actual graduation ceremony attendance can seem like a concession for both the graduate and their family and friends ("I'm only going for him/her/them"), and there are often complaints about boredom and length, most of us show up. There is a need to officiate the end of one life and the start of another, to have loved ones show their support for the long and difficult journey that education can be. Plus, now that many graduations require a ticket for admission, who can refuse the recognition that you are one of the 6 to 10 most important people in the graduate's life?

You made it! Congratulations! Good job!

Now what?

A growing trend for those of us that are not becoming doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers, or programmers, is that we really aren't sure what comes next. Some move home, some take classes, and most take a job that has nothing to do with that elusive "what I want to do with my life," even if we do have an inkling of what that is.

A lesser used meaning of graduate is to change gradually. In that sense, we are all constantly in a state of graduation. In terms of finishing college, or even high school, this word doesn't seem to fit at all. There is no gradual change from school to work. It hits you with tiredness, stress, a worse-off social life, and of course, mundanity- this is if you can even find a job.

So what do I say to the class of 2007, as a hardened member of the class of 2006?

You can prepare, but you won't be ready.