College to Real World

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.