As I pass the 6-month mark of my life post-college, I’ve
decided this is the perfect time for a bit of reflection. I also haven’t
blogged since I studied abroad in Italy. I used to really look forward to the
reflections I would have every Sunday as I sat down to write about all the new
foods, colors, people, and overall culture I soaked in. I’ve realized that I am
now 6-months into another culture that is also filled with a plethora of new
things, the post-college culture. I’ve officially entered the real world.
Everyone tells you that college is a time that you will
never forget. The ‘best years of your life’ some may say. And after leaving the
college lifestyle, I can definitely understand why. Of course, there were
plenty of hard and stressful times. But I am not sure I will ever again have
four years that will include so many friends all in one place, incredible
weekends, immense amounts of knowledge, and opportunities around every corner.
College really does make you feel as if you can do anything. I went into
college having no idea what I wanted to major in, only a small idea of what my
passions were, and probably about half the number of friends I have now. I strived
to make the most of every day and every opportunity I was given. And in my
short 22 years of life, it probably is the best four years I’ve had thus far.
After graduation back in May, I knew right away that a
chapter of my life was coming to an end. It felt as though someone had just took
the training wheels off my bike. And then shipped the training wheels to China,
so I could never ever put them back on again. Whether I liked it or not, it was
time to start riding my bike like a big girl.
So here I am six months into the ride. I feel like I am just
starting to get a good pace going. The first couple months away from the
college culture were filled with this overwhelming feeling of strangeness. It was weird starting this whole new phase of my life. But I’ve realized that it is absolutely
crucial to never lose that feeling of endless possibility I felt in college. We
are a generation that is likely to have multiple careers throughout our
lifetimes. Which means multiple new chapters, and many new opportunities. And
no matter what chapter I am in, I am going to strive to make it another
incredible four years. It will not be simple. But I am hopeful it can be done.
I want to fill this blog with pictures, thoughts, and reflections
on my personal post-college transition. The struggles and successes I will find
in this new chapter of my life, in this new culture I am surrounded by. I will
end this first post with one of favorite quotes, from a guy that was probably
more afraid of the real world than anyone else… Ferris Bueller.
“Life moves pretty fast.
If you don’t look around once and a while you could miss it.”
I’m ready to take a long look around and make the most of my
post-college life.
