Graduation

You guys — I did it! I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University this weekend with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications. I’m thankful for my amazing group of friends and family who supported me throughout every step of my college career; I wouldn’t have made it without you guys!

Here are a few things I’ve learned during my college experience:

1. No dream is too big. Ever since I was in high school, I dreamed about going to New York Fashion Week and working in the fashion industry. After multiple people telling me how hard it was to break into the industry, I almost abandoned my dreams. However, on a whim, I decided to apply to some NYC internships, and I landed my first internship at Michael Kors, one of the most notable American designers. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t make your dreams a reality. The sky’s the limit! All you need is the drive and a great support system.
2. Break out of your shell. I’m not just talking about your freshman year either – keep trying new things and meeting new people. I suddenly had to transfer to VCU after two amazing years at Drexel. I joined a sorority, knew hundreds of people and definitely had my social circle set. Then all of the sudden, I had to up and leave and start all over at VCU. I kept making new friends and trying new things up until graduation week. Don’t become too comfortable or content in your group of friends, always be willing to meet new people and try new things.
3. Learn to manage your time. This was something I definitely struggled with my freshman year, but became a pro at by the time senior year came around. Don’t sit on Facebook for three hours then complain about how you have so little time to study. Do you have some spare time on a Wednesday afternoon? Use it to study for your exam on Monday so you can enjoy your weekend with your friends. Get organized. That’s half the battle for being a successful student.
4. It’s okay to make mistakes. You’re going to make plenty of them while you’re in college. I’ve learned some of the most important life lessons outside the classroom. Learn from your mistakes, don’t repeat them, and try not to let them bring you down so much. A screw up in college is much more acceptable than a screw up in the real world.
5. Live it up. College is your time to try new things, pull an all-nighter, make those spontaneous road trips, spend all night = gossiping with your friends – you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and at times you’ll want to pull your hair out. Hands down, these college years have been the best years of my entire life. Don’t hold back. Anything that you want to do, go for it.

I’m going to miss college, however it’s time to make my dreams a reality. I’m looking forward to the future and what it has in store for me. Again, thank you to everyone who’s supported me during this journey. I hope I’ll make you all proud out in the real world!

P.S. – want to know how I made my graduation cap? Head over to Within Color for my tutorial!