As a recent college graduate, I had certain expectations for what the summer after college had in store for me. I expected a career related to my degree to just fall into my lap, I expected to be a responsible adult, and I expected my life to fit together like a perfectly constructed puzzle.

I was so wrong.

I am still a part-time waitress. I still have troubles remembering to pay my bills on time, and I am starting at the bottom rung of a closely related career field to my degree.

Where I am grateful that I have two jobs, a roof over my head, and the support of my family and friends, I can't help being discouraged that I'm not rich and successful yet.

The reason I am writing this is to let all recent graduates, or anyone else, know that it's okay to have dreams, but don't let unrealistic expectations ruin your ambition to go after your dreams.

Where it would be easy for me to give up on my goal of becoming a photojournalist because I'm starting off as a part-time production assistant (while still waitressing), I know that I will get there some day if I keep working at it.

Not everything will happen right away, and some of the best things that come our way take hard work and lots of time and practice.

You have to start at the bottom to make it to the top.