February passed in a blink of an eye and March has spring break, interviews and way too many plans. I’m going to have to schedule in sleeping in order to make it through this month.
It’s my senior year of college, and I’m realizing the meaning of the phrase “life happens.” Graduation plans are coming along, job offers are picking up, and I’m realizing I’m only a couple months away from deciding what and where the next chapter of my life will be. I also know this will be the time I have to say goodbye to some of my closest friends and possibly leave the place I've called my home for the past four years. So as my future is becoming the present, there are a few things I have been telling myself to get me through these next couple of months.
1. Be grateful for what you have.
As you start to worry what the next step of your life will bring, you need to remember what wonderful people and resources you have around you. Soak in as much as you can that college has to offer.
2. Stay involved all the way through.
With life around the corner, it’s easy to forget about what you're doing in the present and that you're still (at least for a couple of months) a college student. Remember what you still care about and that going to events and being involved will mean a lot to you later on in life.
3. Spend as much time with friends as possible.
Your friends from college will last forever, that’s a given. You have always been the person to make connections last, but you might not see your friends for a while after you graduate, especially if you move. They have become your family, home away from home. Continuously check up on them and spend as many nights with them as you can. The boy can wait, job apps can be set aside for the night, homework can be done tomorrow. I know you are debating whether to stay in. The answer? Go out with your friends.
4. Be spontaneous.
Don’t forget to live. All those crazy college memories are your favorite, so keep them coming. You might not have the freedom later to make mistakes and do questionable things.
5. Live life according to the phrase, “I can’t believe I did that, and not, I wish I would have done that.”
Yes, you have responsibilities now. Yes, you have been adulting a lot this year, but you have no idea what is in store for later. Stop worrying, and start doing. Great stories come from the nights you lived without regrets.
6. Not everyone is meant to stay in your life forever.
You might start realizing some of the wonderful people you’ve met on this crazy journey might not stay close with you once you graduate. Don’t fret; it’s scary you might not see your classic crew out on Saturday nights at the bars, but people going in and out of your life is, well, life. Enjoy the time you do have with all of these people, but realize it’s OK if you don’t ever see them again. They will always be a part of this chapter of your life.
7. You're not going to make everyone happy, and people aren't always going to make you happy.
This is really important when applying for jobs, going on interviews and basically anything else. Not everything is the perfect fit, so don’t take it personally.
8. I can do anything. I’m going to rule the world one day.
OK well not literally rule the world, but my world, yes. You will do great things. Trust in your abilities.
9. Trust your instincts.
When it comes to your career, where you're going to live and basically how to start the next stage of your life, remember your gut is often right. Even if everyone else says you should take that job offer or move to that city, you need to listen to what your heart and head tells you to do to know if it's the right decision.
10. You have nothing to be scared of.
Do not ever let your fears come in the way of what you want to do or try. You are fearless. Plus, you know from experience, all the best things happen when you forget your fears.
11. Be confident in yourself and your dreams; never settle.
Yes, you may have to take a sh**ty job or move back home for a little, but never let that put you down. Bloom where you are planted, and then, keep growing. Nothing is permanent.
12. Say this a couple times: “I’m going to make you proud.”
Because yes, yes, you will.
