A Year Later...

I keep seeing Facebook statuses from people who are seniors in college this year about how they are getting ready to graduate and I can't believe it! Was it really a year ago when I walked across the stage and accepted my diploma? How time flies!! The real world (I'm not really in the real world since I still live with my rents, but we'll call it that) is tough and life after college is very different. I have had a great year, but I have learned plenty of lessons that I thought I would pass along.

1. Take chances!! I never, ever thought I wanted to study abroad, but as my college career came to a close, I realized that I had missed out big time! Luckily for me, I only needed 2 more classes to make my journalism minor a major and I could get those credits in a 6-week program in London. I was terrified to go because I am a home body and knew close to no one going, but it was the best trip of my life and I made great friends!!
2. Don't stress if you don't have a job right out of college! To be honest, I didn't even think about interviewing until after graduation. That may have been because I was going abroad for 6 weeks, but still. Some people have their jobs lined up in January, but don't fret if you do not! Luckily I got a job by September, but many people take longer to get jobs. Just relax and look for jobs doing what you want!! Your first job isn't necessarily your career, so have fun! And network, network, network!!
3. True friends will be your friends forever. As I have mentioned before, my bff's from college and I don't live in the same place, but when we see each other we pick right back up! Going along with this, some friendships aren't worth saving. Sometimes when you do all the work it's just not worth it!
4. Long distance loving is TOUGH!!! Knowing someones emotions and feelings from 500 miles away is not easy and it takes work! But, in the end it is so worth it when you love somebody!
5. Don't compare yourself to others, it will just get you down. There will always be people who are smarter, went to a better school, have more money, are "prettier" etc, but don't compare yourself! I always have trouble with this, but have found myself happier when I don't compare myself with others.
6. Going out all the time and drinking too much is not all it's cracked up to be! I have found that I would rather stay in and wake up well rested than go blow it out every night. I realized since I'm no longer in college, I probs shouldn't act like it! Though, I am not against going out on the weekends and having some fun and blowing off a little steam!!
7. Credit isn't free money. This lesson I am still learning, but after adding up what I owe on credit, I am coming to realize that spending what you don't have is not a good idea.
8. When your life is unpredictable, a dog is not such a good idea. I love Cupie with all my heart and I am so glad I got her, but I admit it was not the best idea to get a dog in college. She is expensive and leaving her alone all the time isn't fair. Luckily, my parents are able to help me when she has a really expensive vet bill and my dad watches her during the day since he doesn't work. Without their help, it would be really tough to keep my little angel.
9. Simplify! When I moved home from college, I made a big deal out of simplifying my life. Giving away/ throwing out most unnecessary stuff and promising myself not to hoard things anymore (though I was not a serious TLC hoarder). I haven't kicked my beauty product hoarding yet, but I have definitely acquired and kept less junk in the past year.
10. Live life for yourself. Do what makes you happy and if it's meant to be it will be. Recently I have had to remind myself often that it is God's plan, not mine. He knows every detail of my entire life already and I have to give my life up to Him.
11. Spend time with your family. I actually learned this lesson after high school, but it's still important. In high school I was rarely home and did not spend much time with the fam, and now I'm wishing I did. I know I am going to be sad when I move out and don't see my parent every day, even if I'm only moving 5 minutes away.
12. Sometimes spending a little money on yourself is just what you need to get out of a funk! I have found that something as simple as buying a new lip gloss or getting my nails done can really brighten my day. I never get my nails done anymore because I wanted to save money and I can almost do my own perfectly, so I save that as a treat for myself.
13. Be kind to strangers. I have always been introverted and have never been one to strike up a convo with a complete strange, but I have learned to do this better in the past year. Just a quick hello or a compliment can go a long way. You will feel great when you make someone smile or when a stranger goes out of their way to say or do something nice for you.

I know I have learned more lessons, but these are some big ones. Have y'all learned any important lessons?

I can't believe it's already Wednesday, this week is flying by!!!

ERK