So I came across this picture in a link in my friends’ profile.

It just got me thinking about how I totally understand what this boy is thinking. Here I am, nestled in the comforts of home, waiting for the rest of my life to start. It’s this waiting period that’s really gotten me thinking and really figuring out who I am. So here’s some things I’ve learned while sitting and wondering “what am I waiting for?”

1. College doesn’t necessarily prepare you for the real world.
Honestly, colleges and universities should offer a class in life skills. Most children today don’t know how to file taxes, or pay rent. I lived on AU’s campus all four years so when/if I get job in D.C., I’ll be a rent paying virgin. Am I scared? Oh hell yeah. Not many young adults know how to budget their expenses, let alone cook for themselves. How to Survive 101 could potentially be one of the best courses offered at your school someday. Not to mention, it’d be a universal course that every student could take. They could even be designed to show kids how to live in their perspective college towns or cities.

2. Parents aren’t always ready to let go.
Take my parents who are still hung up on the idea that I will go to law school. I thought I did last semester, but after not getting in anywhere I applied to, I took it as a sign as reassessed my plans. I realized that I was mainly thinking about law school because of my parents. Why do something that my whole heart isn’t going to be in? I realized that grad school and/or a full-time job is a much better idea for me. Truthfully, I can’t see myself as anything but a journalist. My dream job is editor-in-chief of People Magazine. My parents are still holding out hope I’ll get into this one last school, but I’m hoping otherwise. Why slave away in Pittsburgh for three years when I can be in D.C. and eventually NYC chasing my dreams? Trust me, get ready for the great separation debate once you graduate from college, especially if you’re in a close-knit family like my own.

3. Be open to different cities to chase your dreams.
Now here’s me being a hypocrite and all (I’ve been Miss I Need D.C. this month) but honestly, take it from me. Think of your dream job that you can see yourself doing ’til you retire in the next 40 or 50 years. Now think about what it’ll take to get there. Does it involve moving across the country? Maybe seeing the world? Do that stuff now, because you’re only young once.

4. Friends may come, friends may go, others come back into your life when you least expect it, and more just teeter right on the edge.
An old friend from college who I stopped talking to at the beginning of my junior year suddenly IMed me a few days ago. She apologized for losing touch and admitted she was wrong for a part of the argument she had with my best friend (I naturally took sides, something I regret now). It’s just nice to hear from someone from my past again.

Then there’s my friend’s housemate Emily. I dated this housemate of hers, and sadly we aren’t talking as much as before (I’m out to change that though because he’s such a fun guy, it’d be a shame to lose him as a friend). Anyway, by dating him I got to know Emily, and now she has become one of my closest friends. She’s crazy and has become the older sister I never had. Basically, she’s a lot of fun.

5. Take some time off after college. And it’s okay to be “livin’ on a prayer.”
Don’t just rush into a job. Trust me, as frustrated and annoyed as I am sometimes, this month off has really been the best thing for me. I’ve gotten a chance to examine what I really want for my future and I’ve had some quality time to spend with my family and dogs. One of my best friends, Seth, is in the same boat as me and our friendship has definitely grown with each passing day we’re jobless.

Emily’s favorite song in the entire world is Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” I’ve recently downloaded the song and listened to it, and I realized that it’s okay to be doing what I’m doing…to be living on a prayer day to day, and wondering where life will take me next.

This is my last post for a few days, since I’m headed back down to D.C. for another job interview! I really want the one I interviewed for last week, with the Washingtonian Magazine. This one this upcoming week is with a publishing company that I am just as excited about. I’m hoping to get back down to the District soon. Wish me luck and have a wonderful upcoming weekend!