There are many students in my class that are graduating this year. Which is really exciting because I’m graduating with them, just with a different degree. At first, it made me nostalgic thinking about my years after college. Then, it made me think of things that I wish someone had told me about secrets to life. It’s important to know what to buy when you move out of your dorm or even how to deal with those crazy roomies. But below are life lessons for life after college:

1.) Always keep learning. Never stop discovering and understanding new concepts.

2.) Be more respectful than you should be to others.

3.) Always say thank you. Even if it is for the smallest gesture.

4.) Your parents are awesome.

5.) Save at least $20/ week for the purpose of seeing new places.

6.) Travel. Travel a lot. And travel to other countries.

7.) Be empathetic to other people.

8.) Be careful what you put on the internet. It may be funny now, but it won’t be when you’re trying to get a job.

9.) Getting wasted and bragging about it, really isn’t that cool.

10.) Don’t make decisions while angry. Take a breath and sleep on it.

11.) Life is hard. Always remember you’ll get through it.

12.)  Work hard at everything you do.

13.) Do everything you do with a smile.

14.) Enjoy life. It goes by quick.

15.) Exercise, your future self will thank you.

16.) Get together with your college friends once a year, no matter how old.

17.) Try to be a better person than you were the day before.

18.) You work hard in you 20’s to get to where you want to be in your 30’s.

19.) Always say yes. To everything. You never know if you’ll get the chance later in life.

20.) Stay up to date with the news.

21.) Don’t be negative. No one like’s a Debbie downer.

22.) Happy Hour is amazing. Never pass up an opportunity to drink and get to bed early.

23.) Shit happens. Life. Goes. On.

I feel so lucky to have met every single one of you on your journey. Life after college is nothing like it is while in college. I promise, it’s better. Enjoy it. Love it. LIVE IT.