Dear Graduated Self,
Dude. What is going on? Oh golly, can you believe it? You finally have a college degree. I bet you didn’t think you’d make it this far. I know it seemed like this day was never going to arrive, and yet, here you are, walking across that stage shaking hands with the president. College is officially coming to an end; it’s time to start adulting. Welcome to the big girl world!
As I’m writing this, you’re a second semester junior who has no idea what the hell is going on. You’re a couple days away from 21, so that’s all you’ve been thinking about lately. I don’t know if you’re about to head off to grad school or if you’re going to start a career, but whatever you choose to do, I know you’re going to thrive. Find what you love and let it kill you. Whatever it is, do it well. I really, really hope you have your shit together, because right now, you’re a complete mess. I am so unbelievably proud of you, and together, we are going to achieve greatness!
It seems like just yesterday when mom and dad dropped you off on freshmen move in day. It seems like you were just living in the dorms with all of those crazy mother f***ers that you just so-happen to call your best friends. It seems like just last week when you got an A on your biology test, even though you took that class five semesters ago. It seems like time has been flying by while you’ve been standing with your feet cemented into the ground; Four years has never seemed so short. Your undergraduate career has reached its expiration date, and unfortunately, there’s no turning back.
I know your graduation day is going to have you running around like a chicken with its head cut off, but have you hugged mom and dad yet? I knew that answer was no. Good God, go latch onto them! Clearly, you wouldn’t exist without them. Who has been paying your bills all these years? Who has done nothing but support you from day one? Who has given you everything you’ve ever wanted and more? Who pays for all of your chicken? Who knows you better than anyone else? Who has never done anything but love you? Yes, you got it! Mom and dad. Go hug them and tell them you love them unconditionally. Also, I know you hate this, but kiss Mom on the cheek. You know it makes her happy, so just do it. She deserves it.
Now, go find your best friends. I want you to hug every single one of them, because odds are, y’all are parting ways. You knew this day was going to come, you know, the one when everyone has to go find a real job and start their lives in separate cities. You’re no longer going to be less than two minutes away from them. Go tell them how much you’re going to miss them, how much you’ve appreciated them being there for you during the past four years, and ultimately, how much you love them. They’re your people and they deserve to know their worth to you. Tell them.
Go back to your hometown and visit all of your old friends; you’ve been gone for awhile and they’ve been missing you just as much as you've been missing them.
Whatever you choose to be, I know you’re going to be an amazing one. I don’t know where you’re going to end up or who you’re going to end up with, but there’s no doubt in my mind that you’re going to be just fine. You’ve got a strong head on your shoulders, kiddo, and I know you can do this. You have the potential to do the impossible. Go run the world.
Sincerely,
Your younger, dumber, immature, party-staged self
P.S. Remember freshman year when you said you’d let yourself buy a dog once you get a diploma? Well, that time has finally arrived. Go buy that wiener dog you’ve been planning on purchasing all these years.
P.S.S. Start saving your money 'cause mom and dad are about to cut you off. Rent's due on the first.
