Graduation is a momentous occasion for everyone who’s gone to college. By the time May rolls around (Or December for those of us who finished in Fall), we are all more than prepared to don that cap and gown and get that degree we worked hours upon hours for. But what about after graduation when it’s time to buckle down and start a career? The future is literally bearing down on us and it can get a little daunting. Here are few things that I think every graduate needs to hear at one point or another.

1. It’s perfectly okay not to have it all figured out

For some reason, we think that once we’re done with college, we’re gonna know exactly what we want to and where we want to live. But it doesn’t always work out that way, at least not in my experience. The job market isn’t the kindest, and it can be hard to find a job that you really enjoy. Don’t put added pressure on yourself to already have all this stuff figured out. Do what you can, and figure things out along the way. Just focus on trying to be happy.

2. Your friends aren’t going to forget about you

The fun thing about college is that you get to meet people from all over the country, sometimes the world. Whether you’re on the east or west coast, your campus is what brought you together. Once you graduate, everyone will be going in different directions and your friends will be much farther than they used to be. But don’t let that worry you. Phone calls, text messaging, Facetime and Skype are all great ways to keep in touch. The friends you make in college are the ones you have for life.

3. You’ve achieved something! Don’t forget that

It’s easy to forget that graduating from college is a really big achievement. Sure, people do it all the time, but not everyone goes to college. AND not everyone who goes to college graduates. But you, you stuck it out and got your degree. You deserve to pat yourself on the back.

4. The world is your oyster (whatever that means)

Once you’ve graduated, you can literally do anything. You can move across the country. You can get a job as a bartender. You can go to Europe and never look back. Sure, you’ve got responsibilities and things like bills to think about, but you’ve also got the unique opportunity to do anything you want to do. You have that freedom so make the most of it.

5. Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!

Miss Frizzle said it best and I can’t top it. Take advantage of your twenties and live your life in the way only you can.