To the college grads: take it or leave it, here's my advice.

Dear Graduates,

Your overwhelming number of photos on Facebook with you donning black robes and holding newly appointed diplomas has inspired me to write you a love letter.

Four years ago, I was in your shoes, graduating from SUNY Geneseo after spending three wonderful years at a school I never even applied to out of high school. You see, when I was 18 I took a leap of faith and enrolled in the school that just happened to be the farthest distance away from my small town of all the schools I had been accepted to. After a semester, I decided it just wasn't for me. I ended up at a college that was just twenty minutes down the road from my high school. Somehow it all worked out.

That day in May 2010 was wonderful (despite having Chuck Schumer 'surprise' us graduates for a cheesy, self-promoting speech). I celebrated with family and friends later that day and then spent a month wasting time with my best friends until I took off for Virginia.

In the four years since crossing the stage at Geneseo, I have lived in several states, met the love of my life, adopted a puppy, graduated again (this time far less celebratory, but just as wonderful), and, oh yeah, started my career.

Maybe I'm not an expert on the subject of post-college life, but I thought I would share with you some of the lessons I have learned.

Missing: Emily, per the usual

1. It's okay to live with your parents, but don't be afraid to move out. There is an entire world out there to explore, so go see it! I have made a lot of dumb decisions, but traveling is not one of them. Living on your own gives you a sense of independence that you can only experience when you have a place to call your own. If you fail, hopefully you have a couple of awesome parents (like mine) who let you crash in your high school bedroom until you are ready for you next adventure.


2. Take jobs that you might think are beneath you. There is no experience more humbling than working in the service industry. Working for tips gave me more of a work ethic, introduced me to some fascinating people, and made me appreciate what people in service jobs go through on a day to day basis. I loved being a waitress. It was awesome hours, decent money, and when it was time to go home you could leave work at work. It also made me a helluva tipper! Respect!

3. There's always someone out there who has it far worse than you. I've quit a job. I've been let go from a job. I couldn't find a job. And at the end of the day I still got to go to bed with a full belly and a roof over my head. Don't take the little things for granted.

4. Your college friends will always be there for you, but you will meet some other pretty cool people outside your college bubble. Despite years and miles between us, some of my favorite friendships are the people I spent endless hours studying with in the library and drinking with at the Statesman. I've also met some wonderful people that I didn't share those memories with. At first it was like I was cheating on my friends with new people, but I soon realized that when you start to dig in a little bit, you may have things in common with people that you never would have considered had you not had an open mind. Be worldly. Ask questions.


5. Don't compare yourself to your peers. This might be the most important lesson I've learned. Just because everyone your age seems to be getting married, buying houses, having babies, accepting promotions, and every other exciting thing you could think of happening in your twenties, doesn't mean that you have to be at the same point as them. Everyone has their own path. Just focus on what you want and work hard to get it. Of course I'd love to be married and living in a big house of our own, but right now it's just not gonna happen. That's okay because we still have it all to look forward to and it will mean that much more!

6. Work before you go back to school. Unless you are dead set on a career and have never changed your mind on your career ambitions, take a few years off of school before enrolling again. Not only will you save thousands of dollars in student debt, you may just realize that what you thought you wanted just won't work. If I hadn't taken time off, I would have gone to school to get my MBA. However, taking time off from school introduced me to blogging and writing which led me to a Master's in Journalism. It was the smartest decision I ever made. Plus, you've been in school for the past 17 years. Don't you want to see what else is out there?

7. Just because you're a college graduate, doesn't mean that you are old. You're still so young! Stay out late. Splurge on those awesome shoes. Date douchebags. Drink way too much wine. And don't forget to travel!

I wish you all success, happiness, and lots of amazing experiences.

Congrats!
xoxo erica