Well, here it is folks. Today is my graduation day. I don’t have any plans to get a masters degree (anytime soon, at least), so it’s safe to say that I’m done with school for the foreseeable future. One of my traditions I’ve had every summer break as far back as I can remember is to jam out to Alice Cooper’s "School’s Out.” Seeing as how this is my last summer break of my entire life (a realization I’m still coping with), I knew this would be the first song I played driving away from Kennesaw State after I walked across the stage and got my degree. At long last, I’m done with school, FOR-EV-ER (Sandlot, anyone?). The last obligation I have is to show up today and wait for my name to be called out. I bought the cap and gown (and added my own personal touch!), I passed the last of my classes (straight A's this semester!), I sent out the graduation announcements (they came out great, photo to the right!), and I planned the graduation party that's taking place tomorrow night. I took my last final, turned in my last project, went to Student Media’s end of the year banquet (photo below!), said goodbye to my student media family at The Sentinel, and signed “the wall of fame” that is filled with the names of everyone who graduated before me.
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At last, there are no more things to cross off of my big graduation checklist. It feels so great to know that I don’t have to buy textbooks or pay tuition or deal with crazy parking decks. I’m out of there. KSU gave me some of the best memories, but deep down, I'm looking forward to moving on to the next big adventure.
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SCHOOL'S OUT - ALICE COOPER |
The question I have for myself is the same one that everyone else keeps asking me; “what now?" Well, I haven’t secured a future job yet. That’s not really worrying me, though. I’ve applied to a lot of places that I think I’m a good fit for and now I’m just playing the waiting game.
I still have two months to really figure it out, and I plan on spending that time learning my new bass guitar (thank you again mom & dad!), coaching my awesome swim team (stay tuned for my post on why I love having an active job!), getting in shape (for real this time), being with friends and family, and actually relaxing for once. The only thing that puts pressure on me to figure out my situation is money. I’m tired of being a broke college student and also tired of needing money from my parents. They’ve been so generous to me, so I’ll be excited when I can tell them that they don’t need to worry about me financially anymore.
The best part about graduating (besides the kickass presents)? Having all this time on my hands. Which is perfect, because I’ll be starting my 101 in 1001 Challenge tomorrow! I’m behind on blog posts (what else is new!) but I should be cranking them out left and right next week! Right now I’m just making a point to take things one at a time, relax, and focus on myself and the here and now. I don’t think I’ll get this opportunity for a while once I start working again, so I’m really excited to see what I learn about myself. Look out world.
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