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Summer storms rolling in over the mountains

Summer storms rolling in over the mountains

Sunday, May 9, 2010

A year ago this week...

This time last year many of us were graduating from college. It's hard to believe only a year has passed because things are so different from Wednesday Chapter nights, Pita Pit, keg beer and finals week.

While I can't speak for my fellow '09 graduates, personally, I feel so far away from that world. Is it because I don't live in KS anymore? Is it because of the long hours and often high stress of my job? Is it because I was so desperate to be in a more mature place when I was in college? Hard to say. But looking back, I've learned a lot and as a note to the 2010 graduates, here's some lessons for your first "real world" year.

1. Apply for jobs like it is your job. Set a goal for yourself and sit at your computer until you have submitted that number of applications. Do it every single day. Things rarely fall into your lap so make searching for a job a full time job.

2. Go out on a limb. In this tough job market, you might not get to be the graphic designer at a large advertising firm or the project manager at a hospital. In other words, landing your first- choice career right out of college is pretty rare. So be willing apply for something that presents an opportunity for growth and see where it takes you.

3. Get a dog. Nothing teaches you selfless responsibility more quickly than a puppy! You learn to get out of bed when they need to go out or clean up the mess that is sure to result. Plus, a dog offers companionship if you...

4. Move away. Granted, I don't mean cross country but get as far away from home as you are comfortable. For some, this might mean 5 blocks and for others it might mean 2,500 miles. Go where feels right and don't look back.

5. Visit friends. I have been so lucky this year to visit my amazing friends! During your first year out of college, taking the time off of work to jet off to visit friends is very worth it.

6. Start drinking good beer. Bud light, Natty light and Keystone are now in your past. Upgrade. Really.

Congratulations to all the 2010 graduates!

And for all of you with pups, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! :-)

Finally, a wine recommendation: if you're ready for a sweet summer wine, check out the amazing Vouvray offerings this summer. Amazing Vouvrays come from the Loire valley (this type of wine is a France-specific and made from Chenin blanc grapes). I recommend a demi-sec or Moelleux (the two middle of the road options on the sweetness scale) Vouvray. A sparkling Vouvray can be an excellent alternative to champagne! Enjoy!

2 comments:

  1. Happy Mother's Day to you, too! Love this post- could not agree more!

    ReplyDelete
  2. GREAT post Em. So true on so many levels! Sometimes its nice to take a step back and realize how far we've come in the last year. Thanks for reminding me that perspective is important! Miss you- calling you later this week! :)

    ReplyDelete

Sheep Herding

Sheep Herding
Graham is here to visit for the summer and he and Henry are um...coming to terms with each other.