Six months ago I found myself crossing my college's graduation stage and receiving my very own hard-earned diploma. And while I was ecstatic to finally have that expensive piece of paper, I found myself a little nervous as to what would happen next.
Could I make my dreams a reality and go to medical school? Would I even miss school? Could I really be an adult already at a mere 22 years old? And while I still have many more questions that need answers, I have learned 10 very important things that help make "faking it" a little easier to make it as a hardworking adult.
1. With more money comes more responsibility
This one actually surprised me. For the first time in my life, I was making more money than I was ever used to and it was EXCITING! I could finally afford the things my poor college mind wanted, but could never afford. And while I am happy with my new workout gear, cell phone and the other gadgets I bought, I now have monthly payments to pay them off. Which is very attainable as long as you still save more money than you spend.
2. Friday nights do not always mean "going out"
College is probably the only time in your life where it is completely acceptable to go out any and every day of the week. As a culture, it actually thrives on hosting the biggest events and the most memorable nights, but it's not so common afterward, unless you stayed in your college town, in which case bless your poor liver...
But after the first few Friday nights go by, you realize you actually enjoy staying in sometimes. Maybe your parents really do know what they're talking about after all...
3. You don't need alcohol to have a good time
This ties in with number 2. Blacking out every night even in college is pretty tacky and leaves you feeling worse the next day as you try to connect the dots of events that occurred the day before. In reality, adulthood means more opportunities to do things you never dreamed of. Like camping, hiking traveling the world or simply enjoying a sunset/sunrise off of your porch. Without a need for a drink to survive it.
4. Hobbies keep you sane
When you start working as frequently and as often as you do post-grad, life can seem a tad monotonous to someone who is used to constant highs and lows. For me, I have found solace in running, reading and finding new places to get lost to pass the added free time I used to spend studying.
5. Yes you do have more free time, but you also somehow do not
In college, I remember devoting Sundays to laundry day and cleaning day. I would spend the majority of the day running crazy throughout my apartment cleaning as well as finding time in between to study. Now I can get all my cleaning done quickly and not have anything else I really need to do. So I spend it socially or some other way and have once again found myself running around. Just now to enjoy life instead of studying.
6. Your friends will still be there no matter the distance... as long as you're willing to meet them halfway
Unfortunately, not all of your friends will never live in the same town you went to school in. Many will move away, some will stay or you might be the one to leave them. And while it has been tough to feel so far from pieces of my soul, I am thankful to know that they are merely a drive/flight away. And if all else fails, a text or call away. Make time for them. They make your life far more enjoyable and less of a hassle.
7. You are a small part in a large world
Just because you have a college degree does not make you any more or any less than anyone else. You are an integral part in the wheel of life, but you are not the ultimate, nor are you God. Stay humble.
8. Adulting isn't as easy as it sounds, but it's way more fun
All of a sudden you have more bills, less time to go out and more priorities to keep you up at night. But even though all of this may keep you from your previous childhood self, it makes visiting your college town that much more fun. Because for the first time YOU can do all of the more costly things you never thought you could.
9. Anything can happen with a little time and a lot of faith
Don't give up on a dream even when the going gets tough. After all, it is how you respond to the hardship that matters and ultimately helps you transform into the person you are to become. Blooming takes time, but after enough water and sunlight, you will reach your full potential. You'll see.
10. You are never too old to try something new
6 months ago I never would have imagined myself as a runner. But with one 5k under my belt and the goal of a long distance in the horizon, my trying something new has ultimately changed my life for the better.
So regardless of how you feel post graduation or right on the brink of it, never fret. You are on the way to who you are meant to be and slowly but surely, after a lot of twists, turns and dead ends you too will reach whatever it is you seek. And just might even be called an adult in the process.
