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5 Things You Should Do Before You Graduate

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UIC chapter.

Life is not easy, there are more ways that we can screw ourselves over than there are solutions to our problems available to us. The ideal definition of a successful person is someone who has a supportive group of family and friends, an exciting social life, be financially independent, and has their dream job. We all know that education is your safest bet to fulfill your dreams. We all aspire to be someone and that “someone” is different for everyone. It all depends on your field of interest (major) and your aspirations. 

Before you have the ideal person you would like to become in mind, there were personal growths that had to have happened in order for you to know what you want. You have changed so much since your freshman year, in ways you may not believe to have done so, but you have. We start off with not knowing what to expect from the “college” experience or what the social environment is like. Right away the first thing we catch on to is how much more challenging the workload is, and the amount of responsibility we must put upon ourselves to keep it all together. Later we learn about the “real world” through internships and mentors which is meant to mentally prepare ourselves to become more competitive. These are the areas that college has been able to bring to your attention so that you may use them to your advantage in the future.

Graduating from college is an educational milestone that will help you become more attractive professionally. Here are some tips of things you should do before you graduate so that you know got the best out of your college experience.

1. Have an ideal career in mind.

This is the most logical first opinion that comes to mind. What do you envision yourself doing? You are on your way to graduating in a field that embraces both your talents and passion. Say you’re majoring in physics, you use your major in any field or job that slightly requires physics. Brainstorms ideas of where and how you see yourself having your ideal career. It is a life or death situation when choosing what job you want for yourself because, besides your personal life, your job is the second thing you will be spending the most time doing. You don’t want to be doing something just for the money, but you don’t want to starve to death. You also want something that is manageable, but you also want a career that will challenge you. It won’t be easy, but, ultimately, you want a career that incorporates your interests, brings to light your talents, is financially supportive, and in which you envision yourself growing professionally in.

Image from Pexels: Career

2. Establish meaningful relationships

College is not just about getting the passing grade, being in good terms with professors, or for something to put on a resume. Though you can establish respectful professional relationships with your professors, what happens then? Who will you remember, and who will remember you? Who was there to help you along this journey of late nights and hard work? So, be sure to have friendships because we are humans and not robots. We will need someone to help pick yourself up, to motivate you, to remind you of the less stressful and brighter side of life. 

Image from Pexels: Friends

3. Have a “Giving No F*cks” Day

Honestly, in life, you need to have balance. You have dedicated so much time on studying and have taken time out, of your personal life, for your education. What you do not realize is that getting a college degree is a sacrifice. You owe it to yourself, to have at least one day, in which you give no f*cks. 

Image from Pexels: Fun

4. Find a way to make your memories last.

We all know that it is best to live in the moment and not get caught in the social media craze. When we are caught taking pictures and videos, at concerts or parties, we don’t really enjoy the present moment. Take some photos, and make fun videos of the good times. These memories will be of good use, in the future, because it will brighten your day when you’re feeling down, trust me. So, get your group of friends, and take some photos for your own personal use, and these photos will be something special for you.

Image from Pexels: Camera

5. Have no regrets.

Before you graduate, do yourself a favor, and learn to let go. We all have those moments where we simply wished we never existed because we naturally make a fool out of ourselves. There are those people who you tried reaching out and end up arguing with you instead, then you learn that you deserve better. Or those terrible essays you get back with a terrible grade or that one class you hated going to. Regret absolutely nothing, so that you have a brighter view of your life and the world. I guarantee you that your life will turn out great regardless.

Image from Pexels: Sadness

As you make your way towards graduation, make sure that you are able to take time and reflect on everything that you have accomplished. 

I am a creative person who enjoys learning about the ways in which art can take different forms. My passions include learning about issues that effect our lives; things ranging from politics, media, culture, music, art, philosophy, technology, or education. I am a Chicago native and an undergraduate student at UIC majoring in English and minoring in Film.
UIC Contributor.