The tents are pitched, the chairs are aligned, the tablecloths are spread. Tomorrow is commencement here at the university I am working at and I am excited for the new graduates. Graduating from college and graduate school, one feels a glorious sense of accomplishment. All those nights studying, outlining, and fretting over exams are over! It doesn’t seem that long ago that I walked across that stage to the tune of pomp and circumstance but this weekend I will be going to my 5th year Law School Alumni Reunion and it has been eight years since I graduated with a bachelors degree. I know that many grads feel like they are on top of the world right now and with this feeling of jubilation, I welcome them to the world and recommend the following five tips:
1. Be thankful-If you are like most students, you did not do it alone. Your parents were behind you supporting you, feeding you, clothing you, hopefully not still burping you. Don’t forget to truly and sincerely thank them for all their support.
2. See the world-It doesn’t mean that you have to take some extravagant trip and no I don’t mean to take an extended Spring Break in Cancun. Expand your horizons. Seeing how other people live in other countries will provide you with a perspective of what it means to live in America.
3. Be a steward of your education-It is a privilege to attend college and graduate school. There are many countries where women are still not allowed to go to school. Use your skills and talents to do good for the world.
4. Learn financial wisdom-Gone are the days of charging your clothes and meals on your parents credit card. Part of graduating into the real world is being charged with real world responsibilities. Graduating in this economy can actually provide a great lesson: never spend more than you have and credit cards really are not your friends. Being saddled with debt is no fun. Learning to be financially savvy will provide you with the freedom to explore your passions.
5. Don’t worry if you still don’t know what to do with your life-Yes, we all have friends who know exactly what they are going to do. They have their ten year plan detailing down to the exact day of their marriage. For the rest of you, don’t worry that you don’t have that plan. Life has an interesting way of unfolding and providing opportunities. Never be fearful of taking an opportunity, especially if it’s doing something you love. Allow your life and passions to develop organically.
Congratulations on your success and achievements and remember to take a million photos!
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