Interview Series

Woman sits outside, praying a rosary and looking into the horizon.

Photographer: Chelsey Shortman

Series Introduction

They say there is no more of an “in-between” time than the state of life one finds themselves in when transitioning out of college and into the “real” world. What am I going to do with my degree? Will I even going to use it at all? What will my life consist of now? With so much uncertainty surrounding us, we just want to know where the heck and dare I say to whom God might be calling us to in this new stage of life.

In an era dedicated to the empowerment of women and their femininity, it is easy to fall under the pressure of needing to fit some vague and ambiguous mold that conveys “I’m successful.” However, here at The Catholic Woman, we understand that every woman’s greatness and true success lies within her own personal fiat to the unique vocation God invites her to and wills for her life.

We interviewed five women about discovering their unique calling to life after college and asked them about the steps they took to figure them out. We hope that in learning about their journeys, you will be daring enough to start your own — beginning with allowing the Lord to turn the page into a new chapter.

Series compiled and edited by Ashley A. Hinojosa

Part I:

Being a Witness to Christianity After College

Interview with Cierra Houchins

Though my life is the complete opposite of what I could have imagined for myself, I can see the blessings of being single at this stage in my life and know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. These days, I am just trying to live my daily life discerning God’s plan rather than my own. My journey has been a long and winding road but I think God has been preparing me along the way. I have struggled at times trying to be content with the season that God has me in right now but each day is a new opportunity to discern God’s will for my life. -Cierra Houchins

Read Cierra's Interview

Part II

Discerning the Next Step as a Grad Student

Interview with Elizabeth Czajka

I have a running joke that I’m so stubborn, God has to hit me upside the head with a 2x4 for me to listen. And that’s exactly what happened after I graduated. Every door I tried to open closed. All that was left was to work at my office job, rest, and reconnect with myself and God. Finally, I was able to really listen to God, look at the doors He had opened for me, and decide what I wanted to do next. I didn’t know what I wanted to do for a career, but I knew I wouldn’t be living up to my potential until I tried to get a Ph.D. in Physics. -Elizabeth Czajka

Read Elizabeth's Interview

Part III

Serving the Lord as a Missionary

Interview with Helen Beckert

After graduation, I had no idea what to expect! All I knew was that I would be a missionary. I didn’t even know what campus that I was serving at until a couple of days after my December graduation! Before graduating, I sought out advice and mentorship from a few other Catholic women who I love and admire. I asked questions about post-grad prayer life, finding friendships after college, and maintaining a balance between work and personal life. I also tried to stay connected with friends who were in the same stage of life. In the midst of the transition, I continued to seek advice, support, and prayer from my mentors and dearest friends. Above all, I sought to maintain a consistent prayer life. Many days, I had to fight for prayer, but it was through these times of prayer that the Lord prepared my heart for post-grad life. - Helen Beckert

Read Helen's Interview

Part IV

Life After College as a Campus Minister

Interview with Shelby Ponikiewski

Remember God has blessed you and guided you this far and he's not going to stop. Trust in him. Have a habit of prayer and you will know when it's time to leave or stay. If something isn't right in the position you find yourself in, you do not have to stay. That means in a dating relationship or in a job or in a living situation. -Shelby Ponikiewski

Read Shelby's Interview

Part V

Life After College as a Hall Director

Interview with Katie Bell

The transition from being a student and peer minister on a college campus into the “real world” can absolutely impact your faith life. It can be hard to maintain the same fire when you’re not always in the environment of like-minded people with shared goals. Surround yourself with people who will uplift you through your struggles but be honest with you through your shortcomings. - Katie Bell

Read Katie's Interview