I graduated from college nearly a month ago! I have had TONS of time to reflect and dig out some various gems and lessons for the next chapter of my life. Here are the three big ones that are my mind right now.
1. Those Were The Glory Days - I didn't realize it as much as I do now... but those days in college were the glory days! Even in the rough times there were still plenty of glorious moments and times.
Towards the end of the experience I feel I more or less grinded the last days away. Now I am in a brand new chapter of glory days, and I am thankful for all the pain and agony I have felt as it has given me perspective for the bright moments and opportunities yet ahead.
2. You Reap What You Sow - Of everything that I did and didn't do in college I am seeing all of the good and not so good fruits of it now. There is no way to escape this eternal law. Peace and plenty in the good times is often preceded by tons of work and enjoying the journey in the not as chill times.
3. Value of Relationships - I focused on my struggles way too much towards the end of college and this had very clear drawbacks. Many opportunities and moments were completely missed because I let myself get too caught up in my own personal storm.
Instead of appreciating the joyful moments with people fully for what they were I let myself be a little cynical. Now out of college I see more clearly how valuable these times and relationships were... especially when it comes to the ones I see going much farther than college (like with Sam, Tim, and Aaron).
Now is the time to build up those relationships I want to go farther still. For the ones that have moved on and passed their time I must be thankful for what I learned from them and that they happened.