Hello everyone! I know its been taking me forever but I finally found time to write here. It’s been taking me forever to finish what I’m reading but I’ll get there soon enough. In the meantime, I wanted to reflect on college graduation and get the conversation going. I officially graduated from Kent State University on May 12th. It was a wonderful ceremony. Also, it was actually the first college graduation I’ve ever been to. The iconic Michael Keaton was our main speaker and he was hilarious and inspirational. The weather was nice except, because I’m so pasty, of course I left with a beet red face. Now, I have returned home with little to no idea of what the future holds. Because I like making lists, I’m going to do a pros and cons list of being an official graduate.

Pros:

• Free from the general pressures that come with academia
• Don’t have to deal with dorm living
• Don’t have to deal with the hectic atmosphere of the college campus
• Don’t have to pay for things like textbooks, parking, etc
• Not having to go to any obligatory events like meetings in the dorms
• Finally feeling like a truly independent adult (even though I still live at home)
• Not having to travel back and forth two and half hours to get home
• Being able to feel settled in my own space
• Not having to go to lecture classes (I hated those especially)
• Being able to partake in my own hobbies
• Not being overwhelmed by classes
• Finally having home cooked meals
• Having a new found freedom

Cons:

• Not having the convenience of a college campus
• Not having my friends close by
• Having to deal with “adult things”
• Missing some of my favorite spots on campus
• Not having my clubs
• Not having a routine with classes
• Not having my fun classes
• Having roommates to talk to
• Being able to go to events with free food
• Free stuff, in general
• Not feeling as productive as I used to be (working on changing that though)
• Having a new found freedom

I’m sure I’m not alone in how I feel now. I certainly feel accomplished and I can’t wait to get my diploma in the mail. It is hard to not feel apprehensive but I know that I have a lot to look forward to. I’m excited for the future and I can’t wait to share what I experienced with all of you. While I’m at it, I’m going to post a picture of my Harry Potter-themed graduation cap below.