Well, I just graduated college... now what? There are a few moments in everyone's life that they look around and say, "how the heck did I make it here?" That moment occurred on a certain Saturday in May when all of a sudden I was sitting in a purple graduation robe, wearing a decorated cap on my university's quad, and moving my tassle from right to left. That moment of, "Oh crap, I think I have to adult now".

This transition could have been a lot easier if I hadn't been in total denial the entirety of my senior year. From the moment of syllabus week to turning in my final paper, I was in denial of the impending walk across the graduation stage. But alas, it happened and surprisingly it's not as terrifying as one would think. Its almost like skydiving: you get to the ceremony (just like getting on the plane), you hear pomp and circumstance playing (just like you are flying up to the correct altitude), you start walking towards the stage when your major is called (getting ready to jump out the plane), you hand your name card to the reader (the moment you jump out of the plane because there is no turning back), walking across the stage (free falling in the air), shaking your dean's hand and receiving your diploma (pulling the cord and starting to drift), and finally throwing your hands up because you just graduated college (and you landed safely on the ground). After a roller coaster ride, the time has come to jump up and down (but carefully because you are wearing wedges) and now its time to celebrate with champagne and cake.

The scariest part leading up to graduation is the big question of 'what comes next'? The best part about that though is it is completely up to you. Turns out this is the time in our lives when we can be selfish and move across the country or to a new city without any responsibilities besides having to put a roof over our head and how to make ramen on the stove (daunting, but achievable). This is the time we can throw our arms up and say what the heck lets take a risk and go on an adventure.

Now you have a degree, greater knowledge of the world (shoutout to that one geography class), and the opportunity to be spontaneous and adventurous, but within reason of course. My advice to my fellow post-graduates: be a little selfish, be a little risky, and go on an adventure. Travel the world, try new foods, and meet some new people.

Congratulations to the Class of 2016...WE DID IT!

Via Popkey