by: Trey Mangum (’15), Blavity
In my 1.5 years of alumnus life, I’ve had time to dissect and reflect on the role my experience at UNC plays in my current, young adult life and how it relates to my current position in my career. Although I didn’t understand most of this when I was fresh out of undergrad, I might have had a different perception heading out of Chapel Hill. To make sure you are adequately equipped when you enter post-grad life, here are 7 things I’ve learned since May 2015:
1 – Things will stay the same as much as they change.
You’re not going to not talk and hang out with the people you grew close to in college just because you may possibly be headed different places in life. At the same time, don’t think relationships are going to stay the same without any sort of effort, because they are not. Effort and consistency will be key as you take your loved ones into this next phase of your life.
2 – Adulting can be hard…and expensive.
While you may not see it now. Rent is a thing, bills are a thing, college debt is absolutely a thing. Budgeting will be key to making sure you are making the most of what you’ve got, and it’ll ensure you spend smart.
3 – You literally graduated from the UNC.
In the midst of everything going on during undergrad, it’s hard to sit back and realize that you go to one of the most prestigious universities in the country. As much as we joke about UNC-Raleigh and see our school’s academic and athletic programs in the national spotlight, until you graduate, you may not get that warm and fuzzy feeling associated with saying, “I am a Tar Heel.” Yes, you are a Tar Heel. Own it.
4 – Don’t drown in expectations, whether placed on you by yourself or others
Yes, it is absolutely fine and necessary to set huge goals, but don’t set goals that may prove to be detrimental to you. It sets unattainable expectations at such a high bar, that you may not even give yourself room to grow. Coming out of college as a student leader who had my hands in so many different buckets, I thought that I had to appear to have it all together, because from what I could tell everyone else was on their A-game. Comparing your current self with who you were in college or to others is not helpful. At all.
5 – Self-care is still essential
Contrary to popular belief, it is very much ok to disconnect from the real world. It is super easy to have yourself consumed by the grind, but all of it is at risk if you don’t take the necessary time to look out for yourself. Whether that’s going on a daily walk, binging Luke Cage, or detoxing (or retreating to) social media, do that.
6 – Success doesn’t occur in a day
In fact, success isn’t quantified by one specific measure. You can’t compare your “success” to someone else’s or you’re never be comfortable in your own personal journey. Don’t worry about the end result, focus on the process.
7 – You really don’t have to do everything at once.
I’ll admit it, I am a chronic multitasker. If I’m not doing seventeen things at once, I’m typically not satisfied. This can be traced back to my four years of UNC balancing school, planning events for multiple organizations and still trying to maintain a social life – all at the same time. I’ll do the same thing now by juggling multiple projects for different gigs. I’ve learned that sometimes this really isn’t necessary. It’s fine to be a laser-focused person at times.
7- At the end of the day, do what’s for you.
Parents, other family, members and friends (not to mention those people who view your Snapchat story but don’t talk to you) may have objectives for you, but the only thing that remains important during this time in your life is satisfying what matters to you.
