College is meant to teach us, to inspire us, and to help us choose the path of life that we want to eventually take. We learn how to be leaders, writers, mathematicians, chemists, good studiers, tech savvy, critical thinkers, strong drinkers (don’t deny it), and awesome procrastinators. But what is it, as women, that college has taught us indirectly? These lessons are the by-product of college life. A night out with friends, a broken relationship, misread directions on a road trip are all ways these lessons could have come to us. There is no doubt that there are a handful of things that every girl should have learned before they turn the tassel next weekend, and I am here to lay some of them out for you.
1. Never neglect your eyebrows. Yes, you read right. Eyebrows. Bachelor’s Degrees and bad eyebrows never mix. Tame those fuzzy caterpillars by getting them waxed, threaded or plucked, then make them fabulous by coloring them in a little bit with your natural color. Don’t expect anyone to take you seriously if you have bad eyebrows, and in return, don’t take anyone with bad eyebrows seriously.
2. Always own a pair of black dress pants; they will come in handy more than you know. Be sure that they are tailored to fit your body type—nothing baggy and no high-waters—and that they stay hung up and wrinkle-free for long-term use.
3. ALWAYS carry cash with you. A wise lady once told me that a girl should never be without cash. Even if there is a million dollars on your Visa card, cash can be a girl’s saving grace.
4. Accept that you cannot be best friends with everyone. Sorority life and drunk nights out tend to make girls believe that everyone likes them and that they are besties with every Sally, Sue, and Sarah out there. But when the rubber meets the road, you’ll see who you really need and be able to differentiate between your best friends and your social friends.
5. Love your body-type. As twenty-something’s, our bodies are in their prime. No need to waste your time wishing that you were shorter, taller, or had bigger boobs. Enjoy what you look like right now and decide what your best features are.
6. Lip color is crucial for adult-life. Save your lip balm for beach days and go to the nearest make up counter for a lip shade that compliments your complexion. Since you’re a real world woman now, it’s time to embrace that tube of color. Studies show that lipstick makes women appear more confident and seem more competent in the workplace. So, what’s your shade?
7. Learn to appreciate “real” clothes. We may have lived in our leggings, Nike shorts, and t-shirts for the past four years; however, it’s time to lay them to rest (for the most part.) Start embracing real, non-clubbing, clothes that you can wear on a day-to-day basis. Go the extra mile to figure out what styles best compliment your body type, as well. Ahhh, a new “big girl” wardrobe for a new you!
8. Stop gossiping: while you are in college, you gossip and it’s somewhat normal. In the real world, if you gain a reputation as a gossiper, it is just bad taste.
9. A clean car is a happy car. No more Bojangles cups in the floorboard or clothes in the backseat. Being a working woman, there’s a good chance that you could be driving around a coworker or two during your time at work. A clean car is refreshing to the driver and comfortable to its passengers. Buckle up!
10. Write thank you notes, by hand, on pretty stationary. It’s classy, it’s tasteful, and it’s good etiquette.
11. Acquire a taste for good, craft beers and wine. Save liquor drinks for nights out with friends or bachelorette parties. Craft beers and wine could also become an interesting hobby to get into! Breweries? Vineyards? Yes, please.
12. Keep fresh flowers, always. A lot can be said about a girl who can maintain the life of a plant. Plants also neutralize the air in the room and make for a nice touch of décor.
13. Let go of the college relationships that didn’t work out. If he were meant to be, he would be with you right now. Stop stalking, stop wishing, stop wanting—just like all-things-college, he was a lesson.
14. Establish an outlet for yourself: blogging, photography, regular exercise classes –something for your pent up energy and free time that you don’t get to spend with friends. You can’t always go to the bar and let loose with your friends after a tough day.
Photo by: Jenny Comerford, Sophomore, Appalachian State University