College

This past weekend I went back to my alma mater, Western Michigan University, for homecoming. This is my third year coming back as an alumna and every year I look forward to the weekend. It is a weekend full of great friends, food, and good times.

During college I can say that I knew those were going to be the most fun times of my life. I tried to not take for granted the time I had there with the amazing people and experiences, but unfortunately there were times when I still did.

College is fun no matter what city the university is in as long as you have made a good group of friends, enjoy your classes and major, and are putting yourself out there to experience new and different things. My college career was amazing as I had an awesome support group and tried to take advantage of every opportunity given to me. By the time I was in my senior year though, I was ready to get out. I wanted to be more independent and start making the big bucks $$$$$.

Well, like everything else in my life, I had my expectations too high, and did not start making the big bucks; just small ones. And I gained my independence... and then wanted to give it back. Graduating from college is NOT that fun. Parents always tell you that college is the best time of your life, and like everything else, who listened to their parents? NOT ME.

I have been post collegiate for about 2.5 years now and am still getting used to the complete lifestyle change. I do not have that strong social group anymore. I do not get to stay up late and sleep in when I can, or want to. And I especially do not get to skip a class here or there because I would rather lay out in the sun with my friends. It is a hard transition, and reality definitely has kicked me down a couple of times. But luckily, I still have that awesome support group from college to help me up whenever I need, and to provide me with the words of encouragement when I am feeling down.

In the "real world" you are not going to get your dream job right away. In fact, you may never get it. My mother always told me that life wasn't fair, and she was right. Just because you want something and you're willing to do your best to get it, doesn't mean you will.

I am not trying to be negative or anything, it is just something I have learned since I have graduated. Fortunately, I did not give up on my dream job, or listen to the critics who told me to just stick with logistics because I was good at it and could make good money. Nope. I told them that I went to college so I could do something that I enjoyed, and I intended on applying to job after job until there weren't anymore left to apply for. So don't give up. Even if it takes you 10, 15 years; don't give up. Those who give up and just let nature take its course in the field that you are currently in is allowing you to become complacent with your life. Cheesy quotes always say that you only have one life to live, to live it right the first time. I agree. I know I am trying my best to make this once-in-a-lifetime thing right the first time.