The clock of my time left at college is ticking and as the “g” word nears closer and closer I have come to a realization that I am not at all prepared for the real world. My mom is telling me to do my taxes but I have no idea where to even start, I’m searching for jobs and thought I had experience but they all want three years of experience for entry level, and the only thing I’ve eaten all week is grilled cheese because I don’t know how to cook anything else. So yeah I would say I am definitely not ready for the real world and there is a lot that I wish college prepared me for. Here are just a few:
1. What taxes even are and how to do them.
I was only taught that I need to do them, not how to do them.
2. How to create a resume that stands out from others.
So I don’t have to copy ones I find on Google.
3. How to do laundry without ruining my clothes.
I shrink or stain at least one article of clothing every time.
4. All about voting and politics.
And why is it so important to vote.
5. It’s okay to switch your major.
People change their career goals and there is nothing wrong with that.
6. What to look for before you sign a lease.
So you’re not dealing with issues the week you move in.
7. All the details of insurance.
Life insurance, house insurance, car insurance, I know nothing!
8. How important it is to have jobs and internships before starting the real world.
Even entry level jobs want you to have experience.
9. You should go to the gym.
Netflixing all day is not acceptable and will not help in the future.
10. How to cook something besides Easy Mac.
I can’t live off microwavable food anymore, someone please help.
11. Everything about mental health.
And that your mental health is more important than a test or assignment.
12. What a 401K is.
And why we should start thinking about retirement already.
13. How to fix my car when I break down in the middle of nowhere.
And what all these flashing lights are.
14. How to make a March Madness bracket.
That will actually win.
15. Finding a job is going to be tough.
Reaaaaaally tough.
16. How to budget.
No, you should not spend all your money on alcohol and fast food.
17. Focus on yourself and really develop.
College is about learning who you really are and who you want to be, take some time to reflect.
18. How to tip properly.
And what you should tip for.
19. Time management skills.
Time is of the essence.
20. How to fix clothes.
For all those rips and tears that tend to happen.
21. How to negotiate.
Not argue, but truly negotiate.
22. How to be handy and fix things around the house.
So I don’t have to break things first and then figure out the right away to fix them.
23. APA format.
Instead of assuming we magically knew it after years of being taught MLA
24. Sleeping is essential to functioning.
Pulling an all-nighter will get you know where.
25. How to study and actually learn the material.
Rather than memorize it and forget it 10 minutes after turning in the test.
26. Stay creative.
Pulling an all-nighter will get you know where.
27. That your four years of college go by way faster than you think.
Appreciate it while you can.
