2016 is the year I throw my graduation cap into the air and let all bygones be bygones. There's about three months left until May, but I can't seem to stop thinking about it. Is it so crazy that I've been counting the days since August 2015? Now, don't get me wrong, looking into the future can be pressure-filled but for me, it is absolutely necessary. I love living in the moment. I'm all about spontaneity, doing whatever feels right. But I am 21 now and my life begins officially after graduation. I want a miraculous life full of traveling, making money, and doing everything that I love. I might be asking for way too much, but no need to worry, I got about two to four months figured out.
1. Party, Party, Party!
I have every right to celebrate. It's only been four years of blood, sweat, and tears. With that being said, I will celebrate until my limbs give out because I deserve it. Although I haven't graduated just yet, I am more than excited to dance across that stage with my diploma and then right over to the party!
2. Sleep for a couple of weeks.
Sadly, I can count the hours I slept throughout my four years in college on about six hands. As soon as the party is over, I shall not be disturbed. I am locking myself into my den and embarking on a snooze journey. My life will officially start after the couple of weeks of a well-needed sleep.
3. Eat at every black-owned restaurant in the city.
Food is everything to me, especially some fried chicken with waffles and curry goat with white rice. I love me some cornbread and then some fried dumpling with ackee and salt fish. I can go on for days and indulge in some good food is long overdue.
4. Find exotic recipes and cook it.
I'd rather have a cooked meal any day than always eating out. I love to cook but more often when I am improvising. If the fridge is full or half-empty, there is no stopping me. The least fun part is asking my mean little brother to be a food taster and he always refuses. So infuriating. More food for me!
5. Watch my hard work pay off after months of filling out job applications.
I applied everywhere. I'll be sure to land a job, right? As long as I am doing something that I love, I can't complain. But it is a top priority to save as much as possible if I want my own car and apartment.
6. Remind my mother every weekend that I am 21.
My mother's favorite thing to say is, "You think you grown?" Another thing is, "You can't stay in one place?" I'm a social butterfly. I love to go out with my friends and have a good time. So Mama, please!
7. Join a movement and be active.
Being active is something I'd like to have a part of my life. I am passionate about the rights of Black lives, trans lives, queer lives.... the list goes on. I have particular values that will take me a long way. The injustice is endless and I want to do something about it.
8. Drink more red wine.
I'd drink red wine with every meal. Why not? Wine is good, real good.
9. Workout regularly.
I normally would need the motivation to work out. In college, PE classes definitely forced me to get out of my lazy habits. Now, after graduation, it might be a little difficult to find a gym and commit to one. I'll make it work, but in the meanwhile, I'll continue Zumba in the living room with my mother for now.
10. Find an island and stow away for a week.![]()
All throughout college, I cried for a vacation. Please believe me when I say, I am treating myself to a vacation after graduation. Don't worry where I'll end up, but I'll be back sooner than later.
11. Love me unconditionally.
As a student attending college in the middle of nowhere, I can't take care of myself like I normally would when I am at home. I vow to cater to myself always and treat myself all the time. No need to be cheap. I am always worth it.
12. Bond with family and my closest friends.
Family and friends mean the world to me. I love unconditionally. Although I may have a bad habit of keeping in touch, they are always on my mind and in my hearts. After graduation especially, it's all about catching up and tightening up bonds.
