As college seniors get closer to graduation and to the "real" world, we must prepare for what that life is like. We have been in school for almost our entire lives, and now we are expected to join the work world and find our place. Our family tells us that we will do great in the world, but not what it's actually like, and that's where books come in. These are books that all college seniors should read to prepare themselves, to get advice, and to get inspired.
1. "The Alchemist" - Paulo Coelho
Paulo Ceolho writes about a shepherd boy, Santiago, that literally follows his reoccurring dream because he believes that it is a prophecy. He follows his dream to discover his "Personal Legend." There are times when bad things happen to Santiago that would make most people just give up, but he never gives up on his personal legend inspiring others that when they fall down it is always important to get back up. One great life lesson for any college senior is that we must overcome our fears because the fear is bigger than anything that could happen.
There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure. -Paulo Coelho
2. "101 Secrets for Your Twenties" - Paul Angone
Expanded from the blog, 21 Secrets for Your 20s, Paul Angone writes about the realities of people in their twenties. Angone says that this book is for those people that just graduated college because there are going to be failures, breakups, success, shitty jobs, and anxiety. There are 101 short chapters that all include a secret about life in your twenties.
You can't have a good story without a good struggle. -Paul Angone
3. "Lean in for Graduates" - Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg's "Lean in for Graduates" is for college seniors and recent college grads to give advice about the work force and the new challenges that we must face. Sandberg offers this how-to guide filled with different ways and encouragements to enjoy the work that you do in your twenties.
The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any. -Sheryl Sandberg
4. "Adulting" - Kelly Williams Brown
"Adulting: How to become a grown-up in 468 easy(ish) steps" is another step book that can help college students prepare mentally for what the "real world" is like. From apartments to jobs to relationships - Brown wants to give us advice, and we should take it.
Remember that, for better or for worse, you are in control of your physical surrounding and surroundings. -Kelly Williams Brown
