Graduating from college is an overwhelming situation thousands of young people encounter every year.
Whether you are dreading the big move home or dying to get out, the transition is a huge life change.
Until this point, most of us have essentially had our lives loosely planned out.
Graduate from high school and move on to college. Four years we spend living on our own, partying too often and making strides at figuring out who we are. But then you graduate, and suddenly your life train has run off its track.Where to go from here?
January marks my eighth month as an alumna. Since graduating, it’s been a bumpy and interesting ride. I had too many fears about graduating, but they all boiled down to one major theme: the fear of change. The good news is that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Reality wasn’t nearly as troublesome as I had envisioned inside my own head.
Someone asked me a few months ago, “Was it all worth it?” In the moment, the question was puzzling because of course it was worth it in terms of my career. And as time ticks away and more months separate me from college, I realize the effects it had on me as an individual. Do I wish I had done more? Absolutely. I would find it hard to believe if someone said they didn’t.
Don’t fall victim to having the same regrets I did. Read on for a few pieces of advice I would give my former self.
Chill out (a little bit)
There is definitely a lot to worry and stress about during your time at school. Projects, finals, making the most of your time and resources there—I get it.
But don’t get so caught up in worrying about the future that you forget to live in the present.Spend more time with the people who matter
One of the greatest perks of being at school is that you’re surrounded by your friends all the time. Make time for the people who matter most. Don’t force it with someone if you’re not feeling it and stop chasing that guy around who won’t give you the time of day unless it’s 2 a.m.
Better your relationships with mentors
It’s easy to get caught up in everyday tasks and forget that you’re surrounded by highly influential and successful people on a daily basis. Take the time to solidify relationships now so you can make them last into post-grad life. You’ll be thankful you can call on your old adviser or coach when you need advice or even just a professional second opinion.
Stop trying to please everyone
College is like a fishbowl and privacy nearly seizes to exist. Forget about what you think you’re supposed to do or who you’re supposed to be, and carve your own path to success.
Live in the moment
You will graduate. College will end. And when it does, it’ll all feel like a hazy, distant and happy memory. You’ll wonder where the time has gone, how four years passed by in what feels like a few fleeting moments. You’ll look back fondly on the warm times and the bad times will fade to nothing, how memories often do. Live for these moments in the here and now.
Feature Photo via Flickr