After a whirlwind of three years, I am finally nearly halfway through my senior year of college. Through and through, I had always imagine my senior year to be a certain way. I expected gold chariots to take me to class, I assumed that I would still have the same solid group of friends that I had years prior, and I thought I'd be pretty $ballin$ at 21. But like life usually does, it slapped me real hard in the face. A lot of my expectations for the dream senior year didn't come true, but I learned a lot about what is actually important.
Your senior year in college is a lot different from your glory days in high school.When May hits, you're no longer worried about beautiful gown you're going to wear to Prom, but rather where you're going to live, with who, and just how you're going to afford it after you walk across stage at graduation.
Here are three things that I can sum up in making your way to senior year:
You gotta find good friends.
This can really make or break you. Over the years my friend group has, by no means, stayed constant. Changing friends is not necessarily a bad thing either. I love it when pastors use the phrase "There are friends for a reason and friends for a season". So cheesy, but so so true. I have experienced loss of friendships from all over the spectrum. From completely mourning the loss of someone who is still alive, to just falling slowly out of touch with someone who was once you're other half. Fortunately, I've learned that this isn't bad. Seasons change and so do circumstances. I honestly believe that true friends will always show up, and you will show up for those you care for most. Keep ties with friends who love and care for you and that you can love and care for.
Live within your means.
As your typical "financially irresponsible youngest child", have made terrible mistakes in this department. Living in Orange County, however, I feel as though it is almost inevitable to screw up with your money in your 20's. From stupid expensive Disney passes, to constantly eating out, I always find myself spending money that I really just don't have. Take money managing classes or talk to someone older. It may feel embarrassing to express just how much you spend on those new leather boots, but in the long run, insight from someone who cares about your financial stability can really truly save you.
I'm still constantly learning about money management and the power of just saying no. Say no to that new top that you really don't need or just go for the joyride to that restaurant for dinner. Constantly be aware of how much money is in your account and begin to live within your means.
(I'll probably touch more in this in a later post.)
Don't waste your tears.
All in all, one of the best things that my mom has ever told me is to never waste my tears. I've spent a countless amount of time crying in my four years at college. Crying about grades, a boy, finances, and just plainly being hangry. Looking back, a lot of it just wasn't worth it. I'm so grateful to constantly be surround by those who encourage me to be a better Meagan, and a lot of that comes from giving me a reason to have a good attitude everyday. Petty things aren't worth your tears. Save them for a good reason. Don't forget to see what is right in front of you and focus on the good.
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry
about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what
you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than
clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"
Matthew 6:25-27
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