Congratulations to you seniors who are counting the days (or months) until graduation. With commencement near on the horizon, some of you may feel excited about finally putting your skills to work and moving forward in this next chapter in life. But others of you may also feel anxious or uncertain about preparing for the first few months after graduation, which is fine. Your traditional options after commencement are entering graduate school, working in the field of your degree, and traveling to faraway lands. Furthermore, you may volunteer at a reputable charity organization, start an internship, or get a mental health break from school while working a short-term job.

While these are all viable options, most of you are unaware of academic institutes tailored specifically for graduates who choose to learn in a context that differs from a traditional university. Whether you are still exploring jobs/internships or have already planned out your first year after graduation, you may consider looking into post-graduation programs like the John Jay Institute, which is located in our back yard.

The mission of the John Jay Institute is to prepare principled leaders for faith-informed public service. The institute is founded upon the the firm conviction that Christian values have underpinned American civilization, and therefore studying this rich heritage will enable young leaders to make a long-lasting impact on government, communities, and people.

As its flagship program, the John Jay Institute offers a 15-week, fellowship-in-residence intended to prepare John Jay Fellows for careers in public service. Fellows live in the Tudor-style Fairview Manor on the corner of Fairview and Bellevue Avenues, where they study American politics, philosophy, and theology together in Christian community.

The Fellows’ basic areas of study cover Christian worldview, cultural engagement, the US Constitution, and modern philosophy. The Fellows take intensive reading, engage in civil discussions, and visit historical sites every week. In addition, their studies are based on discussions and growth, not grades. Eight exceptionally qualified graduates, all of whom hold at least an undergraduate degree, are selected each semester based on character and merit.

Regardless of how far away (or close) commencement is in your career journey, I encourage you to broaden your options and look into institutes like the John Jay Institute. As you reflect on your post-graduation options amid piles of responsibilities, take a moment to consider the kind of impact you want to leave in your lifetime and the different pathways to explore as you prepare for your future.