Hey Everyone,

It’s getting really close to the end of another school year, especially for all of us college students! I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am graduating in only a few short weeks and that’s both scary and exciting. I keep asking myself where the past four years have gone. I guess it’s true when they say “life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” So I thought I’d think up a few words of advice for all of us graduates out there to think about before we’re busy taking the next step in our lives.

First, don’t panic! Graduating high school and/or college doesn’t mark the end of your story; it just marks the end of one of the chapters in your life. I know everyone says high school and college are supposed to be the best time of your life—and they are—but there are many aspects of life after college that can be just as wonderful. I mean, think about it! As high school/college students we are completely broke! Imagine what it will be like to not have to stress out about making a living, or buying your own car, or having your own place. Think of what it will be like to plan vacations with family/friends, to have a normal sleep schedule, and to eat real food. Every step of your life will be whatever you make, so don’t worry about where you’ve been and start getting excited about where you’re going.

Second, figure out the next step in your life! This goes back to my blog about creating a life-goals list to help map out the things you want to accomplish. For those of you who already have a life-goals list, you’re ahead of the game and all you have to do is follow through with your plans. For those of you who don’t have a life-goals list it might be a good idea to start making one. You should ask yourself what you want to do with your life. Where do you see yourself going after you graduate? Are you planning on going to college? Are you planning on going to graduate school for your masters? Are you planning on searching for a job right after you get your diploma? Those are some of the things you’re going to want to start thinking about now, before all of the graduates are out there doing the exact same thing. The earlier you start, the better off you will be.

Finally, live in the moment!  Now, I’m not telling you to go crazy and start neglecting your studies—that wouldn’t be good for anyone. What I’m telling you is to take it all in—every night out with friends, every study session in your library, every outing to the dining halls, every sunset on campus—appreciate them! Because before you know it, you’ll be out in the real “real world” and you’ll officially have to grow up. Even though keeping your grades up and doing well on your finals are both extremely important, so is making the best of the time that you have left at school.

Remember: Don’t stress yourself out about graduating, figure out where you want to go next, and take it all in before you move on to the next big thing. High school and college go by in the blink of eye, so make sure you get to laugh a lot and be happy during your final weeks. These are the moments—so make them your best!

Talk to you soon,
Kendra