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This is a cross-post from my blog on Spartan Connect. Check out the original post here.

For the past few weeks, I had been going through a life crisis revolving around graduation:

When should I graduate? How will I get a job? What if I DON’T get a job? Can I afford to move back home (mentally)? Can I afford to stay in East Lansing (financially)? I’ve never been to Europe, and it seems like I’ll never have the time again, would it be irresponsible just to go? I’ve been crazy this summer working a billion jobs, can I keep that going?

All of those questions and more had been swirling in my mind for weeks, when I decided: I need to see my adviser(s).

I’m lucky. In my department, I not only have a top notch adviser, Danielle DeVoss (who, anyone will tell you, they leave their office with “stars in [their] eyes”), but I also consider her my friend. Furthermore, I also have a great relationship with the head of PW, Laura Julier. I know that if I need life advice, they’re both more than willing to help.

The total of three hours I spent in their respective offices last week (2 and a half of which, were after 5PM) were the most enlightening and helpful hours I’ve had. I had my feelings justified and left with to-do lists of how I was going to accomplish all of my goals. Although I had spoken of my life-fears to friends, they could only do so much to help me.

Finding a good adviser is not only essential to your college career, but can completely change the decisions you make. When I was a theater major, I never quite developed a rapport with my advisers. Perhaps it was because my focus changed from acting to theater, and then I decided to get a BA not a BFA, which puts you at an adviser disadvantage. Because of all of that, I was off-track and un-happy.

Danielle DeVoss not only steered me towards Professional Writing in the Fall of 2010, my sophomore year, but she has been there every step of the way.

In June, Danielle led a study-away to NYC. I went to the city for a weekend for a family event, and I had the opportunity to meet up with the trip. I spent several hours walking around Governor’s Island (a giant out-door art fair… on an island), just her and myself. It was wonderful to get to know her on a more personal level. I know that after I graduate and have settled into a new job, no matter where I am, I will be able to call her my friend.

I worked with Laura in the fall as an intern for WRAC. Although I’ve never had a class with her, I think it’s safe to say I’ve spent just as much time in her office and catching up at Beer Rhetorics. I have already told Laura that we will be friends when I graduate. In typical Laura fashion, she laughed and said, “Of course.”

Make it a point to meet with your adviser. They’re given that accreditation for a reason. Who knows… maybe you’ll make a friend.