It seems like just yesterday you were graduating from high school. Now here you are, walking up on stage to get your college degree. It's bittersweet isn't it? All this time you were excited to grow up and be an adult, but suddenly you realize some of the people you've bonded with over the past for years you may never see again. I know you left your mark on your college. It's time now for you to start your future, no matter what that means to you. Remember all the times you've shared and all the things you've learned as you enter the real world. As a recent graduate myself, here's what I've learned so far.
You still won't know all the answers.
When you return to your home or move into a new apartment, there will be family members and friends that will ask...so what's next!? If you have an answer that's great! If you don't that's great too. It's okay not to know where you're going just yet. You've been in school for almost all your life. Don't expect yourself to just magically fall into your dream job right away. Give yourself some time to decompress and comprehend all the changes that are about to come. Just because someone expects you to have a plan, doesn't mean you need one just yet.
Not having homework is amazing.
Homework. We all do it and we all hate it. One of my favorite parts about graduating was knowing that I wouldn't have to write another paper or read another book that I didn't want to for a long time. Now that I've been accepted into a masters program I'm going to have to start that up again. Blah. Seriously enjoy the freedom of leaving work at work.
Cherish the friends you made.
College friends are awesome. If you're lucky, you'll find a few that you'll want to be friends with for life. You may end up in completely different places but don't just get lazy and forget about each other. Remember the phone works both ways. Before you know it you'll be watching them get married (Shout out to my college friend, Alli). These people were there for you during one of the weirdest times of your life. If your friendship can survive that, you can survive anything together.
Moving back in with family will be hard.
In college, you have no one to answer to but yourself. You come and go as you please which is pretty wonderful. Now all of a sudden you're moving back into your childhood home. Be patient. Of course, your parents are going to want to know where you are because that is what they are used to while you'll want to run wild and free like the true adult you are. You may not always see eye to eye with the people that raised you but there are ways to let them know you want your independence and still show respect. Remember just like you, they've gotten older too. Life is short. Enjoy the time you have with your family. Also, move out as soon as you can. It's just better that way. (Love you, mom and dad).
Thank the faculty and staff.
Without the people who run your campus, you wouldn't be getting your degree. Do you have one professor that pushed you to get that A? Or a staff member who guided you through an emotional time? Thank them. Seriously it means the world to us. We are so proud of you and everything you've accomplished and hearing that you appreciate us puts us on cloud 9.
Bask in the glory that is graduation.
The morning of graduation you'll put on an awkward square hat that doesn't quite fit (bobby pins are your best friend) and a weird huge gown that makes you look like you belong in Hogwarts. Take it all in. Cherish the moment of lining up with your classmates. Take all the selfies you possibly can. Listen intently as your fellow classmates speak about their experience. As you shake the president's hand realize this is your moment. You did it and we couldn't be any prouder if we tried. Before you know it, you'll be packing your things to leave. Don't rush it.
Good luck to the Class of 2016! YOU DID IT!!!
