They’re starting to trickle in, aren’t they? Traffic’s just a smidge heavier; the overall trip into any public venue reveals that the demographic skews just a tad younger. A trip to Target included dodging freshmen with parents, selecting dorm room accoutrements. Ah, the last few moments of parental guidance.

The other night, I met the step-brother of a friend of the girl’s. The friend is a fan of graphic novels, so we’ll call her Mouse. Mouse’s brother, whom she clearly adores, we’ll call Benjamin. These are not their real names.

Benjamin is a recent graduate. He’s 23, unemployed (pending a decision Monday), and living with his dad and stepmom. He majored in Art and English. He is disappointed that he has yet to land his dream job.

Wait a minute, I have to pick myself up from the floor. That part always gets me (wiping a tear).

Benjamin will decide tomorrow whether he will accept the job he has been offered. He’s not sure exactly what he wants to do, or what his dream job would be, were it offered. I’m not sure I’ve ever met a person exactly at this point in his life. I was there, exactly there, eleven years ago with a degree in English, a minor in French (?!).

So the teacher in me came out, and the parent, and the years of mentoring interns. I gave advice and was encouraging. I resisted the urge to say, “Plastics.” I was also empathetic and will, if I hear of anything that might interest him, in the way of internships or entry level jobs, let him know. I left, the girl in tow, when he mentioned that I remind him of Anne Bancroft*.

The advice to all college students before you are unemployed graduates is this: I know you don’t want to do it, but while you’re still in the safety of the classroom, try to learn a few things that will pay the bills, and put food on the table. I know you’re all full of idealism and “I don’t want to work for the Man” but pretend, just for a moment, that your survival is at stake and you might just have to support yourself, or even others. Consider your level of comfort. Don’t you want to maintain, or even elevate it? Get some practical skills. Yes, you may hate your first job. You may hate your first four jobs. Most of us do. But don’t be afraid to try them out, even if you know they’re not the dream. Seldom do we find our dream jobs on the first try. Sometimes they have to be created for us. And that only happens after you’ve gained years (and years) of experience.

*He didn’t really say that, but I did start to feel a little like an accidental, would-be Mrs. Robinson.

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