2008
2008 was a exciting year for me. Like all college graduates, I experienced the nervousness leading up to graduating, the fun of being a second semester senior, a job search (or two), moving in (and out) of my first apartment, the end of a relationship and the beginning of a new one, working full-time and more.
To recap my college graduation year, I thought it would be fun to write down a memory or two from each month of 2008. For those of you that have graduated from college, hopefully this will spark some fond memories of your senior year in college as well. For those of you that are still college students, I hope this senior year time line gives you a sense of all that you have to look forward to during your college graduation year.
In January, I started my last semester of college. I was working on my senior project, thinking about what type of jobs I’d want to apply to and starting to get a little nervous about life after college graduation. At the end of the month, I celebrated 100 days (party marking 100 days until graduation) with my senior class. I also decided to apply to Teach for America.
In February, I was focused on classes, homework and my internship. I celebrated Valentine’s Day and my roommate’s 21 birthday.
In March, I celebrated 50 days until graduation with an outdoor cocktail party along the river with my senior class. I also turned 21 and spent my birthday week celebrating with friends and family. I also had a final interview for Teach for America.
In April, I finished my senior project - a business plan - and was finishing up classes. I had applied to a few jobs and had a phone interview or two. Most importantly, I was enjoying the spring time on campus with friends and spending lots of time outside. I got accepted into Teach for America to teach middle school math in Jacksonville, Fl. After a lot of thought, I decided not to accept the position. Sometime I wish I had taken the position, but I think things have worked out the way they were supposed to this year.
In May, I celebrated senior week leading up to graduation day with a beach day, senior gala and more. It was definitely one of my favorite weeks. One beach day when spend the day by the water and all night in our backyard having a cookout with friends. Graduation day was exciting and overwhelming. It was the start of my adult life. I also ended the relationship I was in for most of college. The week after graduation, my sister and I spent the week in Hilton Head, SC as a graduation gift from my parents. I had a couple interviews for jobs that I didn’t get.
In June, I interview for a Digital Public Affairs internship at a large PR firm and was offered the position the next day. I started the position in mid-June and realized my love for all things related to online communications (a perfect mix of my web design and communications interest and experience).
In July, I moved into an apartment with another one of the interns I worked with and was still interning. I made lots of great new friends and enjoyed going out in DC.
In August, I was offered my current job working with the web design team at the college I graduated from and running their Content Management System (CMS) training program. I moved out of my apartment and found a room to rent close to my new job. I started working at the end of the month.
In September, I moved into the house that I rent a room in currently, met some great friends and my new boyfriend.
In October, I started running the CMS training program for the college I work at and was finally starting to feel settle in my job, house and adult life in general.
In November, I had a positive 3 month review at work but started thinking about where I want my career path to go. I started researching grad school and realized that information architecture or interaction design would be a great fit for me. I enjoyed Thanksgiving with all of my relatives and it was my first holiday as an adult. Of course, the end of November also marked the beginning of College Grad Lessons.
In December, I decided that I would take the GRE and apply to grad schools. I picked 3 graduate programs that I would like to apply to and have been studying for the GRE. I celebrated Christmas with my family and had my first extended break from work since I started at the end of August.
Reflecting on the past year, I realize how much fun starting my life after college has been. Some months were more stressful than others, but I’m proud of my transition from college to a working adult. I certainly hope 2009 is just as exciting.
I hope everyone has a great New Years Eve!
