The first year after graduating is such a dramatic change from college and it can be a really hard transition. My friends and I are proof of that experience as we are currently living it. For anyone going through a shift, I see you and hear you. This is for you. 

I had to bring someone else on the mic to give you some insight into why change is sometimes the best thing that can happen to you. Marguerite who is no stranger to changes has affirmed that she feels everything beautiful has come from change. She acknowledges that with God we’re agents of change and she feels that she owes it to herself to propel change that is positive, uncontestable, and rewarding in her life. 

Always holding the perspective that any transformation means an opportunity to level up, Marguerite decided to celebrate being “a whole degree shawty” after we grinded it out for 4 years as pre-med students, by doing what black natural hair social media refers to as the Big Chop. Her addiction to fresh starts comes as no surprise as she chopped her hair off again and again and again each time she reached a hair journey goal. 

And after 22 years of braids, I followed. 

Cutting her hair has been a reoccurring symbol of her spiritual growth and evolution into the woman she is working towards becoming. If you’re thinking of switching up your slay too, visit Marguerite’s vlog to see how she did it!

What felt like the toughest 8 weeks of training academy for her Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license turned out to be a testament of faith and diligence. She credits her success to the physical and mental renewal that only new changes like graduating college, moving to a new city, and even cutting off your hair can provide. Now as an accelerated Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Masters degree candidate, the distinct difference in the structure of graduate school has liberated her. This sense of purpose and level of awareness has only come about from mastering constantly starting fresh. 

Marguerite: 

“I’ve been told that my obsession with starting over so often seems like I’m running from something. Someone reading this might ask, “how will you find yourself if you’re constantly “starting fresh” ironically, I’ve fallen in love with who I am because of this; by constantly reinventing myself I’m easily able to discover who I am, what I like and what I don’t like, what feels good and what doesn’t” 

It can be hard to feel like you have a grip on yourself and life when all these changes are happening (whether you fueled them or not). If it’s one thing Marguerite has taught us from her sentiments on change is that you need to find your purpose and perspective through that. The way how new beginnings bring her unexplainable joy is proof of how her perspective is rooted in a growth mindset, which is something I am actively working on these days. 

My own experiences with change and Marguerite have taught me that the only way through change is with grace. Grace gives you space and permission to experience the breadth of emotions that come with those changes. Most recently, my struggle with some of the changes in my life had caused me to cry before work one morning in the shower. I told God that although I was feeling slightly overwhelmed, I was grateful that I was being placed in a position to explore emotions that would allow me to better understand myself.

What you take away from change is steeped in exploring those emotions you were feeling. You can make it out on the other side of anything with grace.