In high school, we are taught the importance of a college education and the value it upholds in the world’s workforce. But, what college never taught me was how from the moment I walked across that stage for the piece of paper I worked so hard for, life would change.

1) The dreaded job search.

Finding a job is even more difficult than the college application process. There will be those that have jobs lined up before graduation, and we pretend to be happy for them, but really just want them to all fail only because the envy of not hearing back from one of the dozens of applications submitted. Checking the education requirement section of each job posting is incredibly eery, as right below that section sits the experience section: “3-5 years”. That point will make you question every student loan, every tear shed, every countless hour spent trying to pass a class. How am I supposed to be where I want in my career, when there is no such thing as “no experience needed” in the professional world?

2) Dress to impress.

Especially to your first professional interview. From the second you walk through the doors of the building you envision starting your career at, you have no clue who you are about to come across. The lady in the elevator next to you, she is the Director of the department. The young professional who just complimented your shoes, she will be your cubicle mate for the next year of training. Cherish the moments of waking up moments before class, throwing dry shampoo in your hair, and running to class in yoga pants. Because you will miss the moments of being comfortable every waking moment of your work week.

3) Relationships change.

It is almost an instant rite of passage the moment you shake hands with the Chancellor of school and accepts your diploma it is the entry into adulthood. From that moment forward, your mindset instantly changes. Your goals become more geared towards your future, rather than completing school and getting invited to the best parties. Your true identity and what you really want to set out to accomplish in the world becomes clearer. Along with that, comes the dreaded realization that those that surround you may not be the ones to uplift, encourage, and motivate you to accomplish everything you set out to do. But do not worry, the relationships you build after college, are some of the most incredible.

4) Do not take college for granted.

Enjoy every minute of the best four years of your life. They really are the best years. Enjoy every party; friendship; football game; test-yes test, you will miss school itself, trust me; and most importantly, enjoy being constantly busy. Times that were filled with using Netflix as a mechanism to avoid studying, will now be used to fill all the amount of free time you will have. It becomes completely understandable why at 5pm on Friday’s, adults are immediately more fun work and life are stressful. Weekends are much more than partying and studying, but enjoying all the time you can with your friends and catching up on the latest episodes of all reality TV.

5) Be proud.

Most importantly, college never taught me how proud of myself I should be. Be proud that you accomplished something that not every single person does. You worked countless hours studying and working towards a goal. Be proud that you have built life long friendships and memories that you will never forget. Be proud that the entry level job that has nothing to do with your degree will get you to where you want to be. Be proud that you are now embarking on the biggest journey and chapter of your life. The best is yet to come, and it begins the moment you accept a little piece of paper.