Graduations always seem so cruel and unusual. First, you are asked to come one hour early to suffer in an incredibly small waiting space where hundreds of others like yourself are asked to wait in a room that's sweltering hot. Then you are asked to unzip your grad gowns and expose yourselves to show any alcoholic beverages that may be hidden. After a pain staking hour goes by, you are herded out of the small waiting space into an even larger auditorium where it's freezing. You don't even get your diploma on this day. You get a "diploma COVER". The realization of actually graduating is actually quite surreal yet very anticlimactic.

Of course now the hard part sets in. The choice to actually do something with the degree you've obtained is in your hands. You can either choose to bum off the summer and not make any plans whatsoever to prolong your freedom or actually succumb yourself to torturous hours in the job searching process. It's hard sometimes taking a vacation from a vacation, but in actuality, I suppose it could pay off in the end when some outrageous employer decides to hire even me.

This is where reality sets in and I start to realize that my college career is really over. All those before me warned that it would go by quickly, and I suppose it has. I've decided to compile a general list of things I've picked up along the way to possibly help those of you who may be in the transition of becoming a college student as well or maybe you are already. This list of course doesn't cover everything, but I suppose it could be helpful- you know...in the grand scheme of things. Trust me.

1) Wear your shower sandals if you are using a public shower space!!!
2) Always be early to class, even if it means waking up earlier than 10 am
3) If the food doesn't look right, try it anyway. At least you know not to eat it anymore if it tastes bad. You might be surprised otherwise if it doesn't :P
4) Take advantage of any free give-aways on campus...but not the free t-shirts: they usually require you to sign for a credit card
5) Make boundaries for yourself such as a curfew and a sleep schedule so you can have a set routine
6) When finals week rolls around....make sure you know when ALL of your finals are scheduled
7) Exercise, exercise, exercise!
8) Don't give yourself too much free time because that might encourage yourself to procrastinate. JOIN A FELLOWSHIP!
9) Figure out your 4-year plan your Freshman year so you don't end up screwed and have to do an additional unnecesary year or more (it's expensive!)
10) Always try to apply for FAFSA early. It's basically financial aid which is free money for the taking if you just apply and qualify
11) Make sure you have good communication with your roommate. Sometimes- they can be annoying and not even know it! TELL THEM THAT THEY ARE!
12) Eat fruit and veggies...to keep yourself regular.
13) If Mom and Pops are nice enough to send you money- don't go out and splurge it all on stupid things you don't need. Save it for a time when you actually might need it for such emergencies like a weekend retreat, school books or supplies.
14) Buy your books on-line at cheapbooks.com or amazon.com. The school bookstores rip you off!
15) Make time for good friendships! College is the place to make life long relationships.
16) Last but not least, don't forget to keep God in your sights and continually pray that He will allow you to make wise choices. Some choices can't be reversed once you've done it so choose carefully.

Well, I suppose this doesn't cover it all, but it's definitely something to think about. Until next time...

Hi everyone! I'm just getting started on Xanga... Drop me a comment if you've got some ideas on what to do first - or just to say, "Hi!" :-)