“But I’m a-show you how to graduate”

I would say one of the hardest, most important days of my life has come and gone incredibly too quickly. I graduated from Pepperdine this past Saturday, and let me tell you, it was nothing like I thought it would be.

It was one of the hardest days of my life.

I don’t know if you knew me my first year at Pepp, but I loathed the place, the people, the academics…all of it. I genuinely tried to transfer three times. But I never did, and I am so glad I didn’t. I moved to Germany after a year, then to DC, and then I finally mustered up the strength to return back to Malibu. I know that sounds pathetic, like poor me, I had to go back to Malibu. But it was and I had a lot of anxiety. But this past semester, I met my best friends, I found my vocation (good job Pepp), and I found true and unequivocal bliss.

So, I’m bidding farewell to my total sorority move days and transitioning into my post-grad life, but not without some advice that I wish someone had told me.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

I spent my entire first year trying to be the perfect sorority girl – and believe me, I was. But when I moved to Germany, no one checked in on me and no one wrote. I considered dropping, but thankfully, I didn’t. I learned though that it was important to make friends and go outside of my Greek comfort zone. I also found success in other places…more to come…

Take time to yourself,

I always felt uncomfortable in being alone. But walking around Schloss Neuschwanstein and sitting at baseball games alone, allowed me to find myself and what makes me happy.

Build up your resume.

Please, this is so important! You don’t have to be overworked (I wish I could tell my sophomore year self this) but do work you love, get strong networking skills, and apply yourself in everything. It’s not all about your GPA and it’s better to find your niche young than in a mid-life crisis. (aka sports > lifestyle news)

They aren’t worth the tears.

You’re going to meet a lot of people. A lot. And believe me, the girl your first year that was your bestie could be the one starting rumors your senior year. The boy you thought was smart and ambitious, could really be insecure and attacking. But, it all happens for a reason. One day, you will meet the person you are meant to be with and the best friend who is always there for you when anxiety hits.

Enjoy it!

This is something I so wish I had done more often. Before you know it, you will be in your last week of classes, packing up your house, and dropping your friends off at the airport. It flies by way too fast and the change is terrifying. Cherish it all. Enjoy every friendship, live in the moment, and take it all with a grain of salt.

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I am in such a unique place in my life where I have the opportunity to start over and live life to the fullest. As I try not to focus on the things that scare me (like my friends not missing me) I think of the too many inside jokes and too many drinks I can’t take back. I know I had the time of my life and I am excited for the great things to come.

So, thank you Pepperdine…now, I’m Pepperdone.