Or something like that.
Per usual, it's been forever and a day since I updated this thing so here's the run down....
On May 8th, 2015, I received my Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a major in Communications and double minors in Graphic Design and Public Service.
On May 13th, I interviewed and was hired for my first, full-time job as a Marketing and Social Media Intern with the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance, which I started on June 8th.
And finally, on June 22nd, I purchased my first pair of Christian Louboutin Heels. Which is, of course, the ultimate tell that I am finally a real grown up... Kidding. But really.
In all seriousness though, it's been a busy six months since I last blogged. My last semester of college was one for the record books. A few highlights included but are not limited to...
- Getting to spend a week in Honolulu and a week in Colorado Springs for Christmas break, then a week in Portland, Oregon for spring break
- Having my last semester schedule consist of just one, once a week night plus two online electives
- Receiving an academic scholarship from the Boomer Esiason Foundation and later being interviewed and featured on their website and having my graduation photo on their national Facebook profile
- Serving as Membership Vice President for my sorority and having the chance to mentor and welcome ten of the sweetest young ladies into our chapter, including my absolutely perfect and adorable little
- Being hired as Director of Public Relations for ODU's Student Government Association and getting to be involved with my university on a level I never knew existed, and in turn, meeting and creating friendships with some of the most driven young adults on our campus
- Standing next to my best friend on her wedding day and then making basically the entire room cry, myself included, when I gave my awesome maid of honor speech
- Getting to attend a 1500 person fundraiser as part of my internship, an event that I'd be helping plan since August
- Applying for and being selected as a finalist for the Kaufman Award, one of the most prestigious awards given by ODU to graduating seniors that demonstrated exemplary service and leadership
- Being selected as the Outstanding Student of 2015 for my major by the dean of the College of Arts & Letters
- Having all of my siblings be able to attend my graduation, the first time all six of us were in the same place since 2012
All in all, I'd say I pretty much had it made. It was definitely the best, and fastest, 16 weeks of my life. I am incredibly thankful for all the opportunities I've had so far this year. And for all the love and support that made it possible. I feel like I'm on top of the world right now and so very excited to start this next chapter of my life, as a real grown up.
Understandably so, I've been thinking about that phrase a lot lately and what exactly it means. Wondering at what point in our lives do we just snap our fingers and say "whoomp, there it is...I'm an adult now!" I've joked a lot lately about "having to be a grown up" and mostly, it's just that, joking. But there's also a hint of truth because for me, graduating college is definitely a turning point. A catalyst, shall we say, to all that is to come.
Several times recently when I've said something about growing up, I hear "you've been a grown up for a while now" or "you're more grown up than most people your age." And while I know it's meant as a compliment, I don't always see it that way. I'll admit, my health required me to take on a certain level of maturity at an early age. One that most of my peers don't have because quite frankly, they didn't need to. And for that, I'm happy. I wouldn't wish a chronic illness on any of my friends. But it's a catch 22. I can appreciate that my health has defined me and allowed me to mature but how happy can someone actually be about the "benefits" of being sick? Yeah, facing your own mortality make you appreciate life. But I mean, there's still the whole dying thing and that's kind of a buzz kill. It's definitely a fine line. Regardless, my health is just one small part of who I am and believe me, I'm nowhere near as grown up as I need to be on that issue and certainty not with most others in my life.
With that said, I've learned a lot these last few months and grown up more than I expected. And for anyone reading this that is more than six weeks out of college, I know I'm still very much a baby and have a lot to learn, but please humor me because I'm still super stoked about the diploma hanging on the wall in front of me and the fact that for the first time in seven years, I get to answer "so what do you do" with something other than "I'm a student."
So what golden nuggets of wisdom have I encountered?
Understandably so, I've been thinking about that phrase a lot lately and what exactly it means. Wondering at what point in our lives do we just snap our fingers and say "whoomp, there it is...I'm an adult now!" I've joked a lot lately about "having to be a grown up" and mostly, it's just that, joking. But there's also a hint of truth because for me, graduating college is definitely a turning point. A catalyst, shall we say, to all that is to come.
Several times recently when I've said something about growing up, I hear "you've been a grown up for a while now" or "you're more grown up than most people your age." And while I know it's meant as a compliment, I don't always see it that way. I'll admit, my health required me to take on a certain level of maturity at an early age. One that most of my peers don't have because quite frankly, they didn't need to. And for that, I'm happy. I wouldn't wish a chronic illness on any of my friends. But it's a catch 22. I can appreciate that my health has defined me and allowed me to mature but how happy can someone actually be about the "benefits" of being sick? Yeah, facing your own mortality make you appreciate life. But I mean, there's still the whole dying thing and that's kind of a buzz kill. It's definitely a fine line. Regardless, my health is just one small part of who I am and believe me, I'm nowhere near as grown up as I need to be on that issue and certainty not with most others in my life.
With that said, I've learned a lot these last few months and grown up more than I expected. And for anyone reading this that is more than six weeks out of college, I know I'm still very much a baby and have a lot to learn, but please humor me because I'm still super stoked about the diploma hanging on the wall in front of me and the fact that for the first time in seven years, I get to answer "so what do you do" with something other than "I'm a student."
So what golden nuggets of wisdom have I encountered?
7:00am isn't actually THAT bad.
And 1am bedtimes are just...no. Working a 9-5 job has definitely taught me to respect a full night's sleep and learn where my body's limits are. Long gone are the days of $1.50 beers on Mondays at Mojo's or ladies nights on Thursdays at the Banque. I've also woken up before 8am the last three Saturdays without trying to, so yeah... that's apparently a thing.
It doesn't matter who said this and who said that.
Being a college student means you're around other students all day, every day. You're constantly drowning in drama and gossip about who's dating who (or in most cases, just sleeping with), what party is happening that Friday, what classes/professors/assignments are sucking the very soul out of your friends and so on... In the moment, it all seems so important because that's all you know. But honestly? Pretty much none of it actually affects you, your life or your future. I began to distant myself from the major drama-prone situations (or sometimes, individuals) in my life back early in the semester and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I'm not suggesting we all turn into hermit crabs, but I definitely felt a lot less stress when I just didn't embrace the constant chit chat culture that comes along with being in college. This includes Facebook too, btw. Unsubscribing from notifications on groups or hiding individuals from your news feed is very empowering.
Your idea of business clothes with change after you actually start working in an office.
Things that I thought were work appropriate definitely aren't as I'm actually getting dressed every morning. Not that my wardrobe was inappropriate, per say. But just realizing "maybe this cotton dress isn't the most professional after all" or "this skirt is cute but I'll be tugging on it every time I sit down." Presentation is a huge part of being a professional and I've learned that if there's any doubt that what I'm wearing could be taken as too casual or definitely if it's too sexy, then it's probably best to just save it for Saturday. Which really, hasn't been a huge problem; I have thoroughly enjoyed having a legitimate excuse to go shopping lately because let's be honest, when do I even need an excuse to go shopping?
You can do anything but you can't do everything.
It's always been hard for me to say no to people. I'm an overachiever and an perfectionist, so I always go above and beyond to do my job, but also to help others with theirs. I don't like to see others struggling and stressed. I don't like seeing jobs left half finished. I don't like when things are less than par because I know that it reflects badly on me, my peers and my organization as a whole. So I'm always trying to do everything. I'll pick up the slack for people instead of addressing the original issue of them not doing their share. I volunteer to do that extra task that no one really wants to finish. I just over commit myself... a lot. Which has it's pros and cons. There's always something to learn, but sometimes you just have to realize that it's not your responsibility and the world won't come to a screeching halt if x, y, and z don't happen today. I'm getting better, especially now that I'm working full time. I've started to kindly thank people but decline certain invitations, or just not volunteer to help with something that I know I won't have the time to complete. For instance, I serve on the Board for our local community pool and our website needs a massive renovation. I know web design and am perfectly capable of tackling that project, but I know realistically that I can't fit that into my schedule right now so I haven't even entertained the idea. And that's okay.
Worrying is literally the biggest waste of time. Ever.
I'll be honest. I was absolutely and completely TERRIFIED of graduating college and starting a job. Which is probably pretty normal, but in my head, I obviously felt like I was the first person in the history of the world to ever have to deal with this...... Pretty ridiculous, I know. Given, I had some real concerns when it came to working. I've never held a full time job, and with my health, I had no idea what to expect or what I could handle. Plus, when I actually graduated, I didn't have a job yet so that alone was kind of nerve wrecking. I knew I had bills to pay, no income to speak of and I wouldn't be getting another student loan refund. Better yet, I had just six months until I had to pay those loans back. YAY! But it was more than the hours or lack of money, college was all I'd known for the last seven years. My social life, most of my part time jobs, academics, extracurriculars... Everything I have ever felt proud of or accomplished, every organizations I'd ever felt like I belonged with or passionate about, the majority of my friends, my daily schedule.... literally everything was centered around school. And in a moment, it was all going to be over. That's enough to make anyone a little crazy. I was worried sick about what was going to happen. And you know what happened? Graduation didn't come and I didn't have to start working and everything is exactly the same as it was 8 weeks ago. Oh wait.... But seriously. Freaking out didn't stop time and didn't make my problems go away. It just made me really unhappy and unable to enjoy one of the best times of my life. You may have heard the phrase "the only constant in life is change." Well I have another one to add, "the only thing that's certain is that some things are uncertain." Because that's life. We don't have all the answers. We can't see the future. But life hasn't and won't ever stop just because you haven't figured it out yet. So you can sit there on your hands, freaking out and miserable, or you can learn to roll with it. Again, I'm not an expert and I still have a ways to go. But I'm getting there.
Because when it really comes down to it, I'm pretty sure that's all that growing up actually is. It's a verb, not a noun. A daily journey, not a destination. You don't just snap your fingers once, you snap them all day, every day (well usually 9-5, Monday to Friday...) and you keep snapping them. We all have to grow up eventually, the fun part is finding your own beat to go by as we do.
Being grown up isn't half as fun as growing up. These are the best days of our lives.
Because when it really comes down to it, I'm pretty sure that's all that growing up actually is. It's a verb, not a noun. A daily journey, not a destination. You don't just snap your fingers once, you snap them all day, every day (well usually 9-5, Monday to Friday...) and you keep snapping them. We all have to grow up eventually, the fun part is finding your own beat to go by as we do.
Being grown up isn't half as fun as growing up. These are the best days of our lives.
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