thought post: ten things i realised when it is time to graduate

I hit the age of twenty-one four months ago, and gave my graduation speech yesterday. Needless to say, my whole university experience has been awesome especially with council as a big part of my life. From a freshman, to a senior and finally exco, the whole experience has been surreal.  However, within the four months, things have changed and I've started to look at things in a different perspective.

Here are ten things I realised when it's time to graduate.

one. your twenties are for finding out who is true and who stays.

I guess your twenties are when the most ups and downs happen in your life. Some people are there only for the happy moments, but those who stay when you need them the most are the ones you should keep dear to you. These people will be there whenever you need them, physically, or spiritually. You'll also find out that some people stay close to you just to enjoy the additional perks that you bring into their life. Get rid of them.

two. you're forced to close a chapter of your life.

When you're in university like me, and it's time for your journey to end. Whether you're ready or not, you're forced to face it, you're forced to let go. Because let's be serious, in six months time when you look back, would you complain about the horrible moments you encountered?

three. you'll be afraid of starting a new chapter, but that's what life is about, isn't it?

It's the end of your study life, and it's time to step into the adult world. I can't deny but say that entering this "new" world is scary, you never know what might come your way, neither would you know what to do. I'm afraid of making a wrong move because for all I know, it could mean the end of everything. But on top of all these, I'm excited to see what life has in store for me. You never know if you never try.

four. opportunities come and go; grab the right ones.

I've been offered jobs, had many chances to explore a new aspect in life. With so many opportunities, and the mindset to "strike while the iron is hot", I would be more than willing to take on everything. However, not all opportunities can be grabbed due to prior commitments. I guess it is about choosing the right ones so that they built a path to your final goal. Opportunity costs and importance must be weighed.

five. if you don't enjoy life now, when will you?

Graduation cues the "what are you going to do now?" talk. To be frank, I'm thoroughly annoyed by it. I want to enjoy life first before taking on a job where I might not be able to get out of it for activities like travelling until the next few years. Parents tend to push you along to get a stable job as soon as possible. Friends tell you to enjoy life first because they wished they did. For me, I do not want to be tied down so soon - I want to take a break!

six. you have to start setting real, realistic goals.

What do you want to achieve in life? What is your final dream or goal? It's time to plan and set yourself out to achieve the goal you have always wanted to achieve. You can no longer have insignificant goals like "getting drunk".

seven. your priorities start to shift.

With studies out of the way, comes work, relationships, fun, family and friends. When you work, you're only able to meet your friends or family after 6pm (this is only if you get an office job). With your weekends burnt out for resting, who or what comes first? When you were studying, it's all about friends, relationships and fun. But as you move on, your priorities start to shift.

eight. you start to get annoyed by nonsense.

As you mature, you question why certain people still remain childish. Childish meaning spreading rumours, doing little acts of foolishness and creating nonsense in your life. You stop enjoying all these, and you take on a different view when rumours are being spilt.

nine. you have to leave some people behind.

Some friends tend to stick in the past and never move forward. They harp on various occasions of the past, never seeming to let go. These people will hold you back, and keep you from moving on. Worst of all, they could in fact contribute to the negativity in your life. Which, let's be frank - you don't need it.

ten. you never stop thinking about the future

With age, comes thoughts. What are you going to do in the future? Where do you want to be in five years time? You'll never stop thinking till the day you settle down. If you're single, you think about when you'll finally meet "the one" and get married. If you're in a serious relationship, you think about whether you have enough savings to get married at an appropriate age. You just never stop thinking, or wondering.

Life is really full of surprises, some sweep you off the feet because you never expected it to. I'd say embrace the new and let go of the past. It's time to embark on a new, exciting and (maybe) dangerous journey. Have faith, take heart.

All the best to those graduating!

With love & till next time,
mel ♥