As the new school year begins, it’s the perfect time to show support for your alma mater. Whether you’re a recent graduate or have been out of school for several years, there are plenty of ways you can connect and give back to your school community. Here are some ideas for how you can support your alma mater at the start of the new school year.

It's graduation season! This is a busy time for alumni associations like ours, because it’s a time when an entire year’s worth of alumni suddenly become eligible to join our organization.  If you have any members of the class of 2023 in your life, please consider sharing this post with them. Graduation can be a stressful time as it is when a person is suddenly thrust into “real” adulthood, and so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to provide some advice for new graduates going on to college, entering the workforce, or taking on just about any path one can think of. See below! _________________________ Congrats, class of 2023! Soon you’ll be walking the stage and preparing to enter the next stage of your life. It’s understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed or unprepared for what lies ahead. Fortunately there are several things you can do to center yourself and feel ready for what’s to come. Spend some time reflecting: Give yourself some time to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished in high school. COnsider your achievements, the lessons you’ve learned, and the various skills you’ve acquired. This will help you better understand your own strengths, what you’re interested in, and what path you might wish to pursue (if you don’t already have one in mind).  Set some goals: You’ve got your diploma; now what? Set new goals for yourself to keep you motivated and give you purpose. What do you want to achieve in the next few months, years, and longer? Consider goals for future education, employment, and your own personal life and satisfaction. Consider the options you have: If you haven’t already committed to a path forward, take this newfound time to explore your options. Attend college or job fairs, and get involved in networking events that could give you potential opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise find. Take care of yourself: Most importantly, be kind to yourself. If you’re not quite ready for additional education, take some time to work and discover yourself and your interests before committing to that expense. Don’t pressure yourself to immediately achieve all of your goals or your specific idea of what adulthood should look like. You have plenty of time to build the life you want for yourself. Get support: Find support in family, friends, and other people you trust. Consider also joining your alumni association, which serves as a built in support system for employment, education, and so much more. Congratulations again on your accomplishments! We hope you consider joining us at Fort Bend ISD Nation.