Graduation. May.

How did four years fly by so fast? So many tests taken, memories made and lessons learned.

And now it's almost March and the stress is real. Not only are we worrying about passing our five (or more) classes, but we are having to think about other, ultimately more important things. We stay so focused on our classes, exams, homework, projects, mandatory extra-curricular activities, jobs and bills, it is hard to find time to think about these other "things." However, these are important. And we need to think about them.

These "things" include but are not limited to:

1. Family

We stay so busy that it's hard to find time to visit our grandparents or even call and talk to them. The same is just as true for our intermediate family. (Sorry fam!) We promise we love you. We are seriously just SO busy. Whenever we find free time, we spend it doing laundry, dishes, cleaning our apartments and trying to collect our sanity.

2. Finding a new job

The thought of having to apply for a new job (but really, lots of jobs because the real world is fierce) scares us to death! Does our resume look okay? What and how do we use LinkedIn? How are we supposed to find the time to do interviews? What do we wear to an interview? Where do we buy fancy clothes? How are we supposed to work enough to pay our bills AND find the time to do all this extra job searching stuff?

You may consider staying at your current job and taking your time finding a new one because it will be less stressful. However, don't forget you worked HARD for your college degree, and you deserve an adult job! It may be difficult finding the time to apply to jobs, perfect your resume and attend interviews, but it will be worth it. Make the time for things that matter.

3. Living arrangements

We also have to think about where we want to live. For most of us, our apartment lease ends May 1st and graduation is sometime in May. Where do we live during this weird gap also known as finals week? Should we move out of state and try something new? It would be nice to have a fresh start and meet new people, but would we get homesick and miss our family? Again, where do we find the time to look for a new apartment? Should we look for an apartment or a house? Before looking for a place to live, we've got to know where our job is located. And who knows how long the job searching process could take? It seems almost impossible (especially within just two months.) Do not get discouraged--we can do this!

4. Prior responsibilities

If you are like me, you probably hold leadership positions at work or on campus and are super worried about what's going to happen when you leave. We try to do everything we can to leave these positions in the best hands possible. However, this is a lot of work and is also very stressful. Do what you can and trust that your leadership experience has left a legacy on everyone you've came in contact with. Don't stress too much about these transitions. Remember what our predecessors left us--nothing-- and we turned out pretty great, right? We are awesome and thoughtful, but now we have new responsibilities! Focus on these new, more important things. Other people will step up as needed. We've got different priorities now...we are soon-to-be college grads!!

5. Doing what makes YOU happy

With the overwhelming stress that comes with being a college student and the extra stress from being a graduating senior, it is easy to forget to make time for ourselves. In our free time, we do things we have to around the house, try to catch up on homework, do things with our friends and family, but often forget about ourselves. When was the last time you were actually truly happy? When was the last time you treated yourself to something nice? I know it's hard to justify spending money on things you don't truly "need," but truth is we need these things. We will lose our mind if we don't have this type of treatment. So whatever it is--a shopping spree, some time in the sunshine, a hike or run through the mountains, coffee and a novel--do it and do it for yourself, simply because it makes you happy.

You've worked hard and deserve the best.