Hello, I'm Bee!

Today, I graduate.

Very happy to announce that today marks the last day of my undergraduate life and the first day as a graduate. I got my Bachelor's of Science in meteorology ... I asked around (and you are free to put your opinion in a comment), but I believe today I can officially call myself a meteorologist. Or, at least, a degreed meteorologist.

Regardless, my next steps include finding a job and preparing my move.

Leaving Florida feels almost surreal? In one hand, I am ecstatic to finally "spread my wings" and establish my own life. I am also relieved that I can establish a much more permanent home somewhere that'll want me--unlike the anti-intellectual, pseudo-scientific, agitated hornet's nest that is this state.

Where am I moving to?
I don't want to specify the exact location, but it's somewhere in New England. Colder? Yes. More rainy? Hell yes. A deep, unwavering appreciation for wildlife and community? Seems so. I became infatuated with the region after nearly a dozen visits. I feel much more safe, and the people of the area are significantly nicer than what I was told growing up (southern hospitality is a fucking lie fyi). As a meteorologist who also studies climatology, I find it 'extremely' important that this region will not sink into the Atlantic AND it is actually decently climate change resistant for the near future. Plus, the progressivism is almost intoxicating. No longer do I have to experience the "one step forward, three steps back" approach of southern politics that I've witnessed first-hand my entire life. The idea of moving to a much more welcoming society makes me feel ... guilty? Like, do I deserve this? Why do I deserve this? I probably don't deserve this. ... In my mind, I have to reassure myself that I fucking EARNED it.

If all goes well, the next few months will be a wonderful, albeit stressful time in my life. Whether I will get a job in my major depends on federal openings and intraregional demand. Luckily, today marks the day that potentially hundreds of positions open for NOAA and NWS. On the other hand, if I don't get the job or if the pay isn't good enough, I may take up a position in ecology or horticulture. I might have a full blown panic attack if my options are limited back to the tertiary sector jobs of retail and service-based, part-time gig work that I thought I would be escaping after getting such a demanding, expensive degree. I desperately hope I don't get screwed over like my friends and peers, who've been struggling finding secure jobs with benefits and a livable wage.

As you can see, I still have my anxieties. Whether that was correlated with or caused by my intense academic workload ... is still to be determined. But please trust me when I say that I'm excited. I'm ecstatic. I'm emotional. I'm elated. But, I still have that nagging anxiety telling me I'm not yet safe.

I will hopefully be around more often to talk, text, watch, and play. Most importantly, to draw, render, sing, create, and learn.

Thanks for reading, please bee safe!

~SoftBee