Graduation seems to be coming up on us quicker than we think, and while I am bitter sweet about leaving Iowa City, I have plenty of plans for this summer. From music festivals to road trips, I have the perfect summer bucket list for any graduate.
1. Country Thunder: I am going to Country Thunder for the first time this summer and I cannot wait! When else will you get to camp outside listening to your favorite country friends, while being surrounded by your friends and an infinite supply of beer. This is the time to do it. You are young enough to not shower for four days and get away with it, but old enough to not have to sneak alcohol into your campsite.
2. Day at the beach: Once everyone starts their real world jobs there are less days of the week to get a group together to hit up the beach. So whether its going to Lake McBride or Lake Michigan, bring some iPod speakers and a packed cooler.
3. Professional Shopping Spree: Since most of us don't have enough business attire to get us Monday to Friday, its time to go shopping. Stick to colors that are easy to mix and match. Express has a great selection of work clothes for men and women.
4. Road trip: This is a rite of passage for every young adult. I already have two potential trips in the works. A road trip with friends is way different than driving to Florida with your family. So get to work on a five-hour playlist and figure out who you could stand being in a confined space with for that long.
5. Go Sight-Seeing: I know many people from the Chicagoland area don't take the time to explore downtown and I am sure that is true across the country. Take a day to explore your city and maybe take some artsy photos.
6. Donate Clothes: This isn't really an event, but it is a great thing to do after graduation. When you move back into your parent's house you will probably realize you accumulated a lot more stuff at college than you thought. Take the time to go through everything and donate it to charity. You will be keeping your mom happy by cleaning out your room and helping those less fortunate.
7. Plan a reunion dinner: It is important to stay in touch with your sorority sisters and fraternity brothers after graduation. Come fall, it will be harder to plan events between work and everyone's living arrangements. Plan a dinner whether it involves meeting back in Iowa City or choosing a new location, it will be well worth the effort of putting it all together.
