“Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness.” ~ Pearl S. Buck
Hey sweetie pies, so for all of my college seniors out there, you have made it to your senior year! After three (hopefully rewarding) long years you are on the brink of achieving this great moment in your life. But with that excitement comes so many concerns — What am I going to do? Where am I going to do? Wait I am not ready for the real world! (insert minor freakout here right)
Well for starters, take a breath and relax. Don’t let these thoughts consume you. It is normal for anyone to be uncertain about their future. And remember that there’s not a rule book that says you have to have the rest of your life lined out for with a yellow brick road. (And if there is, someone leave me a comment about that book! You know so I don’t look like an idiot.) But just remember that some of the most successful people in the world didn’t really hit their stride until they were in their late 30s early 40s at the earliest.
However I do want to be realistic with you all and put some things on your radar. This is not to give you major anxiety, but to help provide some direction. Hopefully this will inspire you and encourage you to kick major butt this last year and help propel for the post grad years that lie ahead!
1.) Remember that the rest of your life doesn’t have to be planned. So umm no it is totally ok if you don’t have your wedding planned down to the flowers and number of kids. (Pump your brakes girl! I haven’t even gotten an invitation to the big soiree!) lolz
2.) Get an internship, like yesterday, if you haven’t already! Try to get an internship asap even if it is something that you do over winter break. Now most curriculum will require you to get an internship so this may be something already checked off of your list. Also a lot of career paths out there are now asking for experience in that field. Nowadays a degree is not always good enough to secure a fulfilling career. They want someone with invaluable experience and an internship will give you that.
3.) At least start searching your career options if you haven’t already. Really consider what you are passionate about and what it is that you could see yourself doing everyday, day in and day out. Remember that this is what you will be doing, make sure it is something you love!
4.) Make sure to have a job even if it’s not your career path, just keep it until you get the job you want. You WILL need the money.
5.) Have an emergency fund set up for post graduate life if you can help it. Just put a small percentage back every check if you can and put it in an account and don’t touch it!
6.) If you plan to further your education, start applying for graduate schools and preparing for tests, GRE, LSAT, etc. Trust me, you will be glad that you did.
7.) Stay focused and finish strong. Senioritis is real people! You will reach a point that you are just over it and are ready to graduate. But work hard and get those awesome grades! Finish college with an academic bang!
8.) Do make a goal list for yourself. Whether that’s 1 year, 2 years, 3 or 5; make a goal list. Assess the things that you really want. Maybe that’s to buy a new car in a year. Maybe that’s buy a house in 5 years. However you want to do it, just make sure that you do! Writing things down help to make things concrete and doing this helps provide direction. This gives you something to work towards and when you accomplish it, you will feel so good about yourself!
9.) Make sure to treat yourself AFTER you graduate! Whether that’s with a trip, (which is what I did) get a massage, buy a nice suit or watch fellas… Whatever it is, make sure to reward yourself for all of your hard work. I definitely believe in the mantra, work hard, play harder.
10.) Even though you may have tunnel vision about graduating, make sure to enjoy your senior year! I can’t tell you how many times I have reflected back on my college years. I had so much fun! You can’t get your college years back, maybe for a weekend during Homecoming, but you can’t get them completely back. Head up a new project or join an organization. Whatever it is, JUST HAVE FUN!
I know that this can be an exciting and intimidating time in your life but just use these tips and lastly KEEP GOD FIRST and you will be fine………. I promise. 🙂
As always, XO and Stay FAB! ~ Stormie
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So Stormie 