i graduated

So...now what?

by all appearances I’ve been ready to be done for a long time ^^

Well, I graduated.

High school is over.

I’ll never take another co-op class with my friends. Never have to answer the most boring question (the dreaded “what grade are you in?”). From now on I’ll be one of the ancient alumni, an alien and intruder in the student section.

A lot of things are over for good. And it’s honestly kind of…weird.

The Odd Reality of “Readiness”

Maybe the strangest thing about being a high school graduate is how little it has phased me, even though I took the leap out of my high school education a year earlier than I had to.

On many levels, I’m so ready to be done, and it’s not because high school was bad. I honestly can say I had the ideal high school experience; an amazing community and the best group of friends anyone could ask for.

But I’m looking forward to my next steps in life…even though I don’t know yet what those steps will be.

Being ready to be done is weird. I expected to cry when I walked across the stage to receive my diploma. I expected to dread my graduation because of all it would entail about where I was in life. I expected a lot of things.

But I didn’t expect to be ready.

Still, I’m so grateful that I was.

So What’s Next?

What’s next for me?

Short answer: I don’t really know. Long answer: well, I’ll try to summarize.

Save Money

I’m currently taking a gap year to work & save money as I pray over what next steps the Lord is calling me to make, and whether that means pursuing further education, or simply venturing out on my own in terms of work. Money is a weird and a necessary thing, and I’m trusting that the Lord will provide for all my needs in due time as I do my best to be diligent and use my gifts wisely.

Publish My Secret Project

As many of you already know, I have a novella in the works that is set to be released early this fall. I was hoping to be launching it mid summer, but graduation was busier than I expected (surprise surprise!) and I’ve pushed it back to September/October in order to have the best launch possible. I can’t wait to share more details about this in the coming months, so keep an eye on your inboxes!

Go to Nashville (Again)

Nashville is my favorite place in the world, and my soon-to-be-author father and I are tentatively planning on attending the Wedgewood Circle’s annual event & showcase in November. I had the honor of attending Wedgewood’s conference last year and it was truly the highlight of my year. Getting to meet and talk with such amazing Christian creatives was an incredible experience and I’m really hoping to be there again this year, especially since my book will have just released a few weeks prior!

Grow My Platform

In the coming months my prayer is to extend my platform before the book release, primarily here on my substack blog, but also on Instagram! I’m planning to regularly release articles in relation to art, the church, the culture, and more, all from a Gen Z perspective. I’m really looking forward to blogging again, and if you’ve been enjoying my previous pieces, it would mean the world if you would share my work with a friend and/or follow me on Instagram @emmathebard!

Read, Write, & Pray

This next year I want to read. And I mean read a lot.

On one hand, I’m going to focus specifically on traditional literature and tackle some of the huge classics that are constantly being quoted and referenced that I have never read. I know this will grow my understanding of history as well as make me a better writer. A few of the writers that I’m really looking forward to reading are Dostoevsky & Dickens.

I also want to learn and grow in my understanding of theology and Scripture through studying the writings of the early church fathers & other reformed Protestants heroes (I see a lot of Jonathan Edwards in my future) as well as familiarizing myself with opposing viewpoints and other religions.

Reading has changed my life in so many amazing ways and I’m really looking forward to having a freer schedule so that I can commit more time to books!

I’ll also be writing at every opportunity, not only in an effort to finish my current project in time for September, but also through short stories, flash fiction, poetry, and (hopefully) vague outlines for my next novel! I’ll probably submit these pieces to a few places in an effort to get published more, make some good connections, and maybe grow my following some more in the process.

Most importantly, I want to spend this year prayerfully using my time as I work, write, read, and continue investing in my community and my relationships. In so many ways, I have no idea what the big picture looks like for me in the next 2-3 years. That’s terrifying in more ways than one. But I trust that the Lord will lead me in His perfect plan for my life as I continue to follow Him, and there is so much peace found in trusting in His promises through the unknown.

He will lead, and He will also provide. All I am called to be is faithful.

So, That’s the Update (and I have a quick request)

Well, there you have it: the update on what’s been going on and what will go on for the next year! I appreciate each one of you so, so much. Without your support, I don’t know where my writing would be and I am incredibly grateful to be allowed a place in your inboxes. Your time is worth more than anything and I pray that I use it well.

If you think of me at any time over the next several months, it would mean the world to me if you would pray for me as I continue to seek out the Lord’s will for my life in all things! No matter what anyone says, there’s simply no outline for life, only God’s plan for each one of us, and I need the wisdom that only the Lord can give as I find my path. Your prayers would be so appreciated!

Well, that’s all for now—keep your eyes peeled for a new article coming soon!

Pilgriming on,

emma <3

(P.S. This blog has always been focused solely on nonfiction; primarily theological articles and faith-based cultural commentary. But I’ve been thinking about maybe sharing some flash fiction/poetry every once in a while on here. So, if you have an opinion on reading some of my random scribblings, I’d love for you to drop a vote below!)