Thirteen Things That Happen Once You Graduate from College

1.          You become more approachable. (i.e, people want to know if you are in a relationship, if you will call them at some point, and if they can get to know you better). Such conversations usually take place in a  variety of settings, ranging from the random to the expected- the library, the bus stop, the subway platform, when you are just taking a casual stroll, when you are fanning yourself with a plastic plate to prevent your make-up from melting, at parties, at weddings.

2.           Someone feels the need to nudge your shoulder when “Single Ladies” starts playing at the wedding reception, so that you can join your co-single ladies in their scuffle to catch the bouquet in hopes of finding your lucky guy. All of this is preliminary action so they can begin deciding on gele colors for your own wedding that will be taking place in a few years. They must start hunting on time because burnt orange, chartreuse, and periwinkle are hard to find on short notice. 

3.           You become aware of the big bubble that academia created. Classes. Assignments. Exams. Term Results. Repeat. You must come to terms with living outside of this bubble for the time being.

4.         You are convinced that robots are taking over because Google told you that only 5% of job applications actually make it to the interview stage since machines scan them for key words because no human has time to sift through 500 applications most likely following the same template. Plus, you are pretty sure the amount of self-check-out machines at Target has tripled since the last time you went.

5.          You realize how much spare time you actually have, before things must really get rolling, which simply makes procrastination more appealing.

6.          You understand that time goes by so much quicker than you think and resolve to deal with each day as it comes.

7.         You  accept that you have  much to learn about adulting, and then some, because college didn’t teach you most of what you needed to know.

8.       You grow fond of list making, which includes goals, shopping, and this list you are currently making.

9.   Your "Questions that Need Answers" list grows exponetially.

10.     You make plans, but you know that your plans aren’t set in stone.

11.    You learn that everyone can be multiple things at once--that you can expand and shrink based on the space you give yourself.

12.    You think back on all the moments that led to the one you are currently in, and still wonder how you got to this point. 

13.     You realize just how far God has taken you, and crossing that first hurdle encourages you to anticipate the next one.