It’s now been a year since I left the university, diploma in hand, for the real world. I traveled away from my comfortable collegiate bubble to find my place. I’m still not sure why I was in such a hurry.

Since then, I’ve learned a few things about life. But don’t get me wrong: I’m still wandering around blindly with ditz. But I’d like to share a couple anecdotes in hopes they will help out the next batch of wide-eyed, starlit grads on their way to their heart-aching, entry-level jobs:

When you move to DC, don’t leave your cereal or sliced wheat bread out on the counter overnight. Even if you don’t have mice. You will.

Nothing is ever free. Not even advice. Everything comes with a price. Find the people whose price is friendship, love, and understanding.

Don’t ever venture out on Bourbon Street without a plan. Especially with your boss. And if you do, be sure to eat the fried chicken before drinking the jumbo strawberry daiquiri.

Have your friends over for a good meal every once in a while. We all miss the warmth of home and the kitchen-table conversations without glowing screens.

Learn that you will be paid less. Months out of college, accept the job with the lower salary and more passionate work. This season is for self-discovery and for adventure.

When you have the opportunity to move to Montana and live in the mountains, take it. Take it and do not look back to the urine-stained city with its glamourous steak and champagne dinners. Don’t worry too much about the distance or the uncertainty. The steak is better out west anyways.

Buy your tires from Costco. Buy your wine from Costco. Buy your toilet paper from Costco. Buy your hotdog dinner from Costco. But be sure it all fits in your tiny, one-bedroom apartment.

Call your grandparents. Ask for advice and wisdom. Listen intently to your family’s musings. You’ll thank yourself later.

Get a library card. Check out one book at a time and demolish it. Read fiction, fantasy, sexy, tragic, and exciting literature. Rekindle bedtime stories. Let literary worlds bleed into your own.

Never turn down an opportunity to play scrabble, go to drag shows, or find mountainous hot springs alongside friends – new and old. Friendships are won and drained by simple invitations.

When your boss tells you that you fucked up, hold back the tears and the self-pity. Find the strength to smile and nod. Know that you have a team rooting for you to succeed. Use “thank you,” as often as you can in difficult conversations.

Try everything at least once. But don’t be afraid to say no as often as needed.

Finally, greet each day with a grumble and then a strong cup of coffee. Let your morning commute feed light into your day. Don’t forget to acknowledge how far you’ve come and the sunrises that lie ahead.

All the best,

Zoe