I hope this story will resonate with many readers from many different paths in life. Whether you’re a senior in college like me with only three months left of the four years of hard work, friendships and life experiences college has given you, or if you’re someone who has been out of school for quite some time, I think it is always best to reflect on where you are now and what you want for the next transition of life. So I decided to compile a list of some big and not so big to-dos before I decide to go on the biggest journey yet: post-grad life.
The power of forgiveness
I think the biggest to-do that is so relatable in any part of life is to forgive and move forward. College has left me with some holes in my heart but has led to some beautiful beginnings as well. But as I reflect on the grudges I kept, I can’t help but think it didn’t do much for me and my happiness by holding onto those feelings. So as you move out of a certain part of life, it’s time to leave behind any negative emotions that have plagued you. My mother always said, “will it matter in six months?” Usually, the answer was no, so I’m doing myself a favor and forgiving some people I will never get an apology from. Give yourself the care you need and understand some people are just not meant to continue on your journey with you. Feel the heaviness but feel the happiness as you turn the page to a new chapter of life. They were in your life for a powerful lesson. Take it as such.
Don’t forget where you came from
Even if you have a tight bond with your parents, try and see them a few extra times before embarking on your next path. Sure, you can visit them, maybe you’ll even be living with them for a few months. But one day before you know it, you will be packing up all of your belongings (again!) and moving out to an apartment in the city or a small house in the suburbs possibly hundreds of miles away, maybe even overseas. As much as the hundreds of text messages and numerous phone calls throughout the day I receive from my mother annoy me now, I know that I will be counting down the weeks until I see my parents again once I move away. I think we sometimes forget how much of their life they have dedicated to helping us achieve our successes. Many of us wouldn’t be the people we are today without the guidance, support and constant love our parents showed us. Don’t regret a weekend spent at home. They will become few and far between.
But, enjoy every minute you can with friends
This might sound contradictory to my previous suggestion, but what I mean is to spend time with your friends not only on the weekends but weekdays. Make weekly dinner dates with your people, do something different like a cooking class with three of your close friends, take that trip to the beach with everyone. I tend to focus on having a high GPA, not missing one assignment and being involved with as many organizations and clubs on campus that I can fit into my burgeoning schedule. But my wise professor told me one day after I ran into his office upset by my lowered GPA, that it doesn’t matter once you get out there. What matters is what you’ve done and what you make of yourself. Which brings me to my next to-do.
Live with purpose
So I started to try my hardest to live out those words. What can you make of yourself in this world? Be impactful. Don’t be ordinary and go to a 9-to-5 job everyday and come home and do the same thing each evening.
Instead of a happy hour, go to a meeting with people dedicated to making a difference. Try looking up local meetups committed to something you are passionate about or organizations you can volunteer for after you get off work. Trust me, just devoting a few hours a week to something you are passionate about will ignite that fire for years to come. Find employers who will allow you to take time off for volunteer projects. There are even some jobs that will give you paid time off for volunteer work. Focus on getting a career that pushes you to do meaningful work. You will feel more fulfilled.
Take it all in
As I transition to the next step in life, I can’t help but feel a bittersweet lump in my throat with the slight sting in my eyes that usually brings on the waterworks. Sometimes, we are so busy living that we forget the wonderful memories until it’s too late. The late night food runs, the quiet conversations with good company, the rollercoaster of emotions felt after a busy semester, the welcome of a holiday break allowing you to escape one more time from the life I, and many others will soon be leaving behind.
So as the weather gets a little warmer, the days get a little longer, take it all in. Walk around your campus, neighborhood or city. Listen to the sounds around you as you go for a short run outside. Walk slowly back to your home in the evening as the sun starts to melt in the distance. The leaves will start to become the robust green color they have been waiting all winter for, the flowers will give off a distinct smell of spring and a warm rain on bare skin will remind you that it’s normal to feel.
