Up to this point, I have written a mixture of lighthearted and serious articles. I have tried to connect with all of you as my readers and give you a glimpse into my life. Based upon the number of views and shares that my articles have had thus far, and although I am trying my hardest, I'm not quite sure that I am really reaching all of you. And while I won't change the topics that I choose to write about, I can certainly include some more articles such as the one that you are about to read, which will give you an even closer look into the life of your average, but still not-so-average, college student.

As many college students will know, your early 20's are a tricky time in your life. When you're a child, it is easy to be carefree and not have a worry in the world. Your parents are there to carry the heavy load that life sometimes makes us bear, so all you had to do was look cute and maybe learn the basics in elementary school. As you graduated from there, you went onto middle school and then high school, taking on more responsibilities like understanding complicated subject material, passing tests and getting good grades. No doubt, your teenage years were tough, but you still had your mom and dad to lean on and guide you when you needed some direction. By the time you enter that first college classroom, everything changes. Your parents aren't there to hold your hand. They're not going to give you a stern talking-to after your teachers tell your parents that you are close to failing during Parent-Teacher Night. Perhaps the worst part: tuition and student loans! If you're like me, you will be swimming in debt by the time you even get your degree. So, in order to take some of the financial pressure off of you and your parents, you might decide to get a part-time or even a full-time job. Have you ever thought of being a Wedding and Gift Registry Advisor?

I work part-time while also attending an online college to get my Bachelor's Degree. Think it's easy? Well, it's not...but it can be very rewarding. I am not what you might assume is another cashier. Though I may scan items at a register, I add them to registries and I don't earn any commission for all of my hard work, as I had to remind one of the customers that I was helping the other day. Consider me your personal consultant from the day you ask your significant other to marry you, up to and after the wedding. Some days are slow at my store depending upon the weather, holidays and a number of different factors, while other days leave me exhausted from the moment I clock in to the time that I clock out to go home. But no matter what, I will even stay two hours late if it means that I have gone above and beyond in helping you with the registry process. This is overwhelming for couples, and by the time I have finished entering information into the computer and going over the booklet that describes all of the rewards that you get for being a registered couple, you may not even want to scan any items to add to your registry. Call or email me (I'll likely get in touch with you first because I'm great like that!) and we can schedule another day for you to come back and make any additions or changes to your registry. In the meantime, I'll be helping other customers find the perfect gift for their friends and loved ones. I've remembered the "script" of crossing purchased items off of the registry, but in the past two months that I have been working at my job, I have learned that personalization is the key to not sounding like a robot and gaining a customer (maybe even a friend) for life. One of the oldest associates working in my department has already become a mentor to me. She is outgoing, articulate, wise and always shares advice whenever I come across a situation that I am not yet familiar with. Other colleagues of mine haven't been so warm, sometimes even snapping at me in front of customers. I take it in stride, though I admit that it isn't fun after being publicly humiliated at my last two jobs. While there is no excuse to be disrespectful, I at least understand that being a Wedding and Gift Registry Advisor can be physically and emotionally draining, which leads me to ask one thing of all of my readers/future brides or grooms: be patient. You're important to advisors like myself, but you are one out of about 100 each month. There is so much that goes into the detailed routine of registering a couple or helping someone buy off of a registry. A little understanding and tact goes a long way. And lastly, always think big when it comes to your registry, give your guests plenty of variety, and don't forget the fine china (more on that when you come into a store)! Congratulations to all of you future couples! :)