Changes can be difficult, overwhelming and stressful.

There is a certain level of comfort going through the sameroutine day in and day out. You know how to perform certain dutiesand you are aware of your limits when performing specifictasks.

On the flip side, changes can lead to opportunities one mightnot have expected and experiences of a lifetime.

I feel like my life has been a whirlwind since graduating fromOle Miss. Upon walking across stage to a thunderous roar of hootingand hollering – only because my family is loud – I received ahandshake, an empty diploma cover and no job.

Those about to graduate or, even better, those a year fromgraduating read this closely – NO JOB OFFER ACCOMPANIES YOURDIPLOMA. I was under the impression my hard work at the Universityof Mississippi, where I graduated with a degree in Journalism,would come with several businesses jockeying for a chance to hireme.

Apparently, only gifted athletes enjoy a draft, and I’m noathlete. I get winded reporting on charity walks.

So, I found myself in cap and gown and jobless. I had no cluewhere I would land after leaving Oxford except home. Nothingagainst home, but there is little to do in the small town ofSumrall.

My job hunt took me on interviews from the Big Easy to theFlorida panhandle. I was filling out applications online one dayand traveling hours in a suit to an interview the next.

The most frustrating part was receiving job offers for somethingI knew would not be a good fit for me once I finished theinterview. Door to door marketing in the South? I don’t thinkso.

I eventually wound up working in advertising over the summer inPensacola. However, when I realized the position seemed like itwould only be a temporary solution – I decided it was best to packmy bags and bathing suit and start over. While Florida was nice, Ineeded more than scenery to keep me happy.

I was frustrated. Years of staying up late and cramming fortests, learning about people and places I had no interest in anddragging myself to class had rewarded me with nothing – a piece ofpaper and a bunch of memories.

Down on my luck, I decided to turn on the computer once more andsee what was out there. Scrolling through job listing after joblisting I stumbled upon The DAILY LEADER. Under the Monster.composting, it said the newspaper was hiring for a reporter to bringnews and entertainment to the good people of Southwest Mississippi.Skeptical, I decided to apply. Why not? I had done some writinghere and there for several media outlets in Oxford. What did I haveto lose?

I must admit, I was a bit hesitant to warm up to Brookhavenafter arriving to town for my interview. I traveled from Highway 42to Highway 84 and traveled through downtown. Those few roads werethe only glance I had at the southern town.

However, upon further visits, Homeseekers Paradise began to growon me. I discovered a movie theater (watching films is one of thefew hobbies I have) and I found there existed a love for Ole Missthat may be able to match mine. I noticed Colonel Reb yard signs,UM alumni stickers and elaborate southern-style homes that remindedme of times singing “Dixie.”

When I was offered the job, I was a little anxious to accept. Alot had happened since I graduated. I traveled all over the GulfCoast, found a new place to live, relocated back home and was nottoo happy with how I put myself in unwanted situations. I did notwant to make a mistake.

And now here I am. Somehow, someway – here I am.

Though just as I finally learn the names of city officials, lawenforcement agents and the familiar faces around town, anothershakeup is soon to occur. I will be getting married in July to myOle Miss sweetheart. Who knows what’s in store after that? Maybewhen hard work is accompanied by change, change is not such a badthing.

With all the happenings in my life recently I may have failed tonotice how all the changes have taught me valuable lessons. No, Idid not receive a job right out of college, but all theinterviewing undoubtedly helped prepare me to interview at TheDAILY LEADER. While working at The DAILY LEADER I have met somegreat people who made my transition to Brookhaven a little easierand I have been able to learn firsthand about many fascinatingstories.

As those who are about to graduate find themselves panickingabout much more than finals this time of year, try to relax. Workhard, gain experience and hopefully you are fortunate enough towalk away from school with tools necessary to land a job you enjoy.But, who am I to give advice? Maybe life is best lived and notlearned.

Perhaps the only constant aspect in life is change. I guess Ishould get comfortable.

Oh yeah, don’t worry about that diploma. The piece of paper isdelivered through the mail.

Write to Chad Lederman at P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven MS 39602,or send e-mail to clederman@dailyleader.com.