College Grad Lessons

Driving back from my grandparents house (also know as “The Farm”), my boyfriend and I got to talking about all the things that we had done in 2008. It was a busy year for both of us, but 2009 might prove to be even more eventful. It’s exciting to think about what New Year’s Day 2010 might be like for me. I hope to start working on a Master’s Degree in Information Architecture, Interaction Design or something similar. I’ve also been thinking about looking for a job in another state (hopefully in the South) since some of the graduate programs I am applying to can be done entirely online. Ultimately I have no clue what I’ll be doing when 2009 comes to a close, but I’m enjoying the uncertainty.

In light of all of the possible changes I may experience in 2009, one of my resolutions is to make sure any changes I make in 2009 move me closer to my long term goals. (more…)

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. (more…)

At some point during today it hit me. I’m officially adjusted to adult life. One year ago today, I would have been disappointed to wake up any earlier than 1 p.m. I would have had no cares for the next week or two. When it got close to starting spring semester, I would have dreaded having to wake up for classes or doing homework. I would have been avoiding the fact that in one year (today) I would be an adult with a job, bills and other responsibilities.

Today, however, I was ashamed that I slept past 10 a.m. I didn’t know what to do with myself since I don’t have to go to work for the next week and a half. I tried to use my free time productively by running errands and studying for the GRE.

One year ago (more…)

I recently joined Twenty Something Bloggers, a social network hosted through Ning, and thought it would be fun to join in on their December Blog Carnival. I decided to pick the topic, “a wishlist of things you want that are free,” so here’s what that wishlist looks like:

Dear Santa,

I’ve been very (or at least for the most part) good this year. In light of the current economic recession, I thought I’d ask for some things that didn’t cost money.

Here is what I’d like for Christmas: (more…)

The past few months of my life I have flown by, but none faster than the month of December. As the holiday season was approaching, I was quite excited to get to enjoy the month leading up to Christmas. Some how I was convinced that I’d have lots of time to enjoy baking, Christmas movies, holiday shopping, etc. now that I’m out of college. Usually December meant final papers and exams and then crashing for the week before Christmas because I was so exhausted from the semester. I seemed to miscalculate the amount of free time that I’d have as a college graduate. (more…)

College students can be a tricky group to shop for, so I asked college students and recent college grads for gift ideas. Overall, practical gifts are best when shopping for a college student. Here are some of the suggestions that I got, as well as some that have always been my favorites to give and get: (more…)

Do you need a gift idea for a recent college grad that has a new home? Here are some ideas:

1. New Dishes - They don’t have to be expensive, but college grads often lack a full set of matching dishes. Plastic dishes, pint glasses from bars and silverware from their college’s dining hall will gladly be traded in for something new.
2. Framed Photos or Art - College grads may have furniture for their new home, but chances are the walls are bare or look more like a dorm room than a first apartment or home. Frame some photos or find art that would mean something special to the grad.
3. Restaurant or Movie Theater Gift Card - An entry-level salary might not leave room in the budget for a night out. A gift card to their favorite place to eat or somewhere else fun will make sure they enjoy their weekend after working hard.

Post a comment with you favorite gift idea for college graduates living on their own. I look forward to hearing your suggestions!

While driving to my parents house for Thanksgiving, I realized that this was going to be my first holiday as adult. It’s overwhelming that I’m not a kid (for the most part) any more, but there is a lot that I’m thankful for this year.

I’m especially thankful for graduating college and starting my first full-time job. Most importantly, I’m thankful for everyone - family, friends, professors and many more - that helped me succeed in college and be prepared for the “real world.”

Whether you’re still in college, have been working for years or are somewhere in between, don’t forget to thank those that made your personal success possible.

Happy Thanksgiving!