To my 08 Graduates-don't be surprised!

Do you remember the day you graduated from college? I remember my graduation day (it was about a year ago) and how good it felt just to be free. The sun was beating down on my face as I sat on the football field next to my homie Charlene. I tried my best to concentrate on what the keynote speakers were saying, but I just couldn't stop....dreaming. Dreaming about my new life that was full of possibility and how my entire life would change...I was ready for it. I had great job offers, I was moving into my own place, and I felt young and unstoppable. I was ready to conquer the world unaware that it could conquer me if I let it. In college I had done it all, been president of this club and that club, joined the flyest sorority on campus, had way to many internships, so with all of this I thought I knew it all or close to it-NOT!

Lets be real, when you first get out of college you seem to think that everything will fall into place like you've been preparing it to for the last 21 years. You enter the real world filled of after work happy hours with co workers, a fancy apt (courtesy of ikea), relationships, etc. In actuality instead of everything falling into place-it seems to fall out of place. The first year or two out of undergrad is somewhat like a roller coaster ride. You find yourself questioning all your motives and what it is you really want to do with your life.


One of the worse things about the transition of undergrad to the awkward adult hood phase is how many mistakes you WILL make in front of others (co workers-parents-family). Gone are the days when life consisted of classes and naps, school clubs, internships during the day (lol) and going out to party every night (shoot you have an 8 a.m. meeting no more of that!). You're now faced with handling a salary (don't get so excited it may seem like a lot of money at first-but you'll soon learn its not), managing your own budget, and being more responsible than you've ever been in your life. Health Care takes on a WHOLE new meaning when you graduate-its unbelievably expensive. If you didn't care before (because you were on your parents dime)-TRUST me when I tell you...it will matter now. Whew-you are in for a rude awakening if you don't have health care. (Note if you are not a student (part or full) you cannot be on you parents health care-so get a benefits package or don't get sick)



Here are a couple that my friends and I are asking ourselves;

1. To go to grad school or not

2. What the hell am I going to do about these student loan bills that are piling up?

3. Having a serious "adult" relationship-am I ready for all that

4. Financial Responsibility (its not a game)

5. What state or country do I want to live in

6. Understanding that a "job" is VASTLY different from anything you did in a part time internship

7. Constantly questioning if you have what it takes to make it?

Now don't get me wrong, the real world isn't all bad. You'll change and grow up in ways you never thought possible. Most importantly you'll appreciate the little things more...shoot I know I do.