Congratulations to the Class of 2021! This moment is always bittersweet. Graduation is always an anticipated moment right from the beginning of our freshman year, and when the moment finally arrives there is a part of yourself that doesn’t want to leave. The campus, friendships and hangout spots will all become memories engraved in your heart and mind.
After the four years of the rollercoaster ride that is the college experience, the feeling of burnout is inevitable. You have spent those sleepless nights working hard for your degree; they are hours and work that should not be overlooked! So how about treating yourself with these five activities because yes, you DO deserve it!
- Small Dinner with Friends
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Raise your hand if you’re vaccinated! Even though you know you’ll probably have Zoom hang-outs with your squad no matter the distance, how about organizing a small get-together with friends? You know, those Pinterest-inspired dinners with minimalist decorations and everyone sits at one table together enjoying delicious home-cooked meals… or take-out. It can be a time of joy and laughter by just soaking in the last moments of being together with the people who made your time at college so memorable.
- Buy A Photo Journaling Book to Document Your Memories.
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Have you wanted to try out a new hobby? Do you have many pictures on your phone that you want to keep, but you desperately need space? You should try journaling; it is a way to destress and also release your creativity. Print out your pictures and take out your favorite stationery, we’re going to get artsy! You’ll not only have a fun past-time, but once you are done with your journal, you’ll have your own scrapbook of memories to keep and cherish forever.
The Chronicle Photo Journal by Project Memory Co. is a great way to start! This journal has a minimal look that will be a perfect piece of decor just about anywhere in your house. This photo journal is a product by two amazing alumni at UCLA so you’re not only buying a cute journal but you are also supporting fellow Bruins!
- Visit Places That Marked a Valuable Change in Your Life
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We all have those special and defining moments of our college experience. Maybe it was that coffee shop you intended to study at, but you meet a sweet stranger sitting next to you. You talk until the cafe closes and from that day on, you two have been the best of friends. It would be heartwarming to be able to visit the place again with that special person. Nothing is better than to reminisce on the old sweet times.
- Buy the Item You’ve Been Eyeing
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I don’t see what’s wrong with treating yourself with a big purchase once in a while. I like to think of it as a gift for a job well done! It could be a perfume you smelled at the department store or a clothing item in your favorite online store, you should get it for yourself! It will become a valuable memento for this special milestone.
- A Good and Necessary Self-Care Night
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When was the last time you actually took time for yourself? Let’s be honest, remote learning really brought the worst out of us when it comes to getting ready and looking put-together (not that pj’s and a makeup-free face is bad!). Now that you’ll be able to enjoy summer with no academic stress, try organizing a spa day at home for yourself. Your mind, body and spirit deserve to relax.
You should be extremely proud of yourself. Despite all that 2020 brought, you overcame adversity and faced it with grace and courage. I hope this season of life has taught you that you should not let even the world stop your dreams because you are capable of achieving whatever you set your mind and heart to do. As you enter the working world, I hope you remind yourself of what an amazing young woman you are.
Congratulations my dear Bruin, I wish you all the best!