7 Things I Realized After Graduation

Just a few weeks ago I received my B.A. degree in Mass Communication with a minor in Spanish. I was excited to say the least. The days of homework, worrying about classes, and late night calorie consumption were no more! However, now there are a few things that I've realized since then...

2. I took the free gym membership for granted
When I was in college (still can't believe I am saying that) I hardly ever went to the gym. I would tell myself that I got my exercise by walking to class everyday and occasionally taking a gym class each semester to get a GPA boost. It sucks that I now can't go to the gym on campus because technically I am not enrolled. Planet Fitness here I come!

3. Maybe moving back home isn't such a bad idea...TEMPORARILY
The wanderlust inside had me looking for jobs all over the country, as well as out of the country, then I had a second thought. Do I really want to jet off somewhere and not even be fully knowledgeable of simple adult things? Like seriously, how do I set up my 401K and make sure that I have adequate health insurance? I figured there's nothing wrong with moving back home to regroup, but I definitely will have an exit plan. 

4. I have ample free time
Counting all of my 17 years in a classroom, I really don't know what to do with myself. This is very new for me. The way I see it I should either be traveling or working full time. Although I am heavily working on the latter, I have a ton of free time. Everyone tells me I should take advantage of having nothing to do, because there is nothing but life waiting ahead. However, I have found a few clubs and organizations in Charlotte that I am looking to join. I could always brush up on Spanish and photography. Groupon and Meetup have really come in handy! In the meantime, I am looking to travel somewhere before I get a real job because the days of three month summer vacays are over.    

5. My closet reeks of adolescence and is currently in purgatory 
I realized that I need more professional clothes. I can't continue to wear crop tops, graphic tee's, and mini skirts for the rest of my life, but I am not completely committed to dressing like I'm 40 years old. It's not that I don't have adult clothes, it's just that I could use more. A suit is definitely a purchase in the near future.

6. I'm just like every other adult now
Now I am in the general population of adults. Before, people would say "Oh that's exciting. I remember those days." Now, it's more like "welcome to the real world." Just the other day I someone asked me how the job search was going and they said "yeah this is the part that makes you cry at night," and snickered. 

7. Life goes on and to take advantage of different opportunities 
Next semester someone will take my usual first or second row seat in the classroom. Someone else will park in my student parking spot. Next, there will be another graduating class eager to receive their degree. The best thing I can do now is to not be afraid to take advantage of any opportunity that comes my way. 

-- Until next time...