We’re not alone — that’s what gets me through it.

Melanie Megale, 22

Having just recently graduated college with a degree in advertising, Melanie has been struggling to find the kind of ‘fulfilling employment’ that so many of us seek. We spoke about how difficult it can be to set yourself apart from the others during the incredibly grueling and competitive job search. Sharing her very same fears and uncertainties, I asked Melanie what her own personal interpretation of the 21st-century struggle was. 

“Standing out. How am I going to stand out and make myself known? Anyone else who went to college knows exactly what I know, so what makes me better? It’s standing out and showing the world that you’re not just another face.”

Of her dreams for herself, Melanie replied:

“I feel like I definitely have to change not being on top of things. 'I’ll wait until I’m an adult to do that.’ I woke up, and an hour later I had to worry about it. Right after Graduation. My lack of experience, beating myself up over it. I wasted the time where it was appropriate to be doing jobs that I wasn’t getting paid for because I had this mentality that I didn’t have to worry about it.”

What advice do you have for everyone seeking to answer the same questions as you?

“We have to keep in mind that we’re not alone — that’s what gets me through it. You’re not the only one. You’re not alone in this. That’s something that I’m constantly beating myself up about. I feel useless, like I’m doing nothing, I’m not contributing to life. I just have to keep reminding myself that it’s normal to be like this. Remember that you’re not alone.”