Here's the end result:
1) T.V.
I rarely watched television in school so reintegrating shows in my routine sometimes feels like I'm living two lives, which can be highly time consuming.
Click here to view recent clip from Jimmy Fallon Late Night show:
Nonsense Karaoke with Chris Pratt and Jimmy Fallon
'Cause every adult watches a late night show to keep their sanity, right? RIGHT?!
2) Coffee.
Tried it once or twice... ew.
3) Curfew
College was the only time I had a curfew and thus the only time(s) I may or may not have snuck out with a buddy...
It's only fun when you're not supposed to be out, and you can do it with a friend. Besides, I don't have class in the morning! Not that I usually went to bed early when I did have class anyway... At first, graduating from college feels like a permanent summer vacation until...
4) Job searching kicked in. In general, finding a job is not difficult; a job in writing, however, is. Most writing jobs require two or more years of experience. I need experience so I can get a job, but can't get experience unless I'm hired... yeah.
-Friends: I'm not around friends all the time like I was in college. But let's be honest-- friends may have been present, but we did not hang out much in college because everyone had ridiculously hectic schedules. More time after graduation? Guess again. Friends graduate, marry, move, or are still in college.
-Dating: Haven't met the right guy, yet; but I'm not in a hurry. Odd, though, to see all my other friends engaged, married, or having babies. And some are younger than me.
6) Money
To be rewarded the fruits of my labor in the freedom of a paycheck is a sweet, sweet feeling. And I get to work more hours than a work study (allowed only 6 per week) and paid at a higher rate!
"NOW I CAN BUY ALL THE STUFF I'VE EVER WANTED!"- devil on left shoulder
"Start saving for retirement now."- angel on right shoulder.
Priorities.
7) Knowledge
I don't feel smarter, but now I own a fancy piece of paper that says I am and, therefore, entitled to a better paying job.
"Booya" RDJ style
8) Social Skills
If I had learned humility before now, I might've been able to save a couple of relationships. People respect and admire those who admit their faults and try to make things better. Communication should fall right into place after humility is learned.
9) Attitude
10) Facebook
Still addicted, but in increments.
11) Dorm Life
I LOVE having my own room/bathroom again. There were times I liked sharing the space and talking to a good friend at the end of the day. However, that sometimes outweighed the cleaning. Living up to my neat-freak nature, I did my part as well as my roommate's. I quickly reached my limit when day after day I saw dried spittal and water marks on the mirror; toothpaste globs with hair in it stuck to the sink (hair, in girl's dorm, is EVERYWHERE); dirty dish water left standing for days, and, oh yeah, ants too. The conflict came when I asked the roommate do their part as well. I am nobody's unpaid maid.
12) Burnt popcorn/ hair chemicals that set off the alarm and woke up the whole dorm at 4 a.m., fire drills that sent me outside in all kinds of weather to wait for firefighters
...'nuff said.
13) Meals
One word: Homecooked.
14) Finals
Finals? What are finals?
15) Exercise
I lost 20 lbs freshman year by swimming three times a week, walking, cutting out sugars, and drinking more water. But, then I gained it back due to anxiety and unhealthy diet. I have since re-established walking and a paleo-based diet and am healthier now more than ever. It's all about your mindset.
16) Free Time
I do have more time for hobbies like recreational reading, Netflix, hanging out with friends, going to movies, etc. I used to journal a couple of times a week before I went to college, and that is a habit I am picking back up. Aspiring to be a writer takes a lot of work and you need the free time when you get it.
17) Stress
There will be stress at all different stages of life-- there is absolutely no avoiding it. However, I can change how I deal with it. College sent me into anxiety attacks; now I know how to handle stress such as practicing deep breathing. Learn to accept and enjoy life as it is today-- find the silver lining and thank God for the difficulties because they help you appreciate the good times.
18) Maturity
With pain is growth, and from growth is maturity. College is associated with a lot of growing pains; and ultimately I can be thankful for how I decided to let the pain shape me.
19) Spiritual Life
Attending a Christian college further impressed upon me how important it is to focus on God in all aspects of my life. I have since developed a stronger, well-rounded faith; and a deeper understanding and appreciation of God. That is the most important thing in this life as I prepare for eternity, and I never want to lose focus on that goal.
Conclusion: All of life is a learning experience; and I continue working on myself every day. With my degree in hand, I'm out to find my place in the world and contribute to society.
