Editor's note: This is the sixth in a weeklong series of stories forecasting the future and providing tips for soon-to-be college graduates.
So, you can't wait to return your last book to Follett's and jump on the train to the real world.
If you've applied for graduation, and you're on your way out the door, congratulations.
But please, take the advice of an alumna and live up your last quarter before you set out on the road of actual life ' which is more of a shocker than anyone could possibly prepare you for, but I'll try my best.
Here are some of my suggestions to make sure you not only appreciate your last few weeks of life on campus, but all that is Athens, as well.' Walk everywhere: What are the odds that whatever city you're moving to will have almost everything you need within walking distance? Athens is like nowhere else. Appreciate the townies, check out around campus and do something you can't do anywhere else. ' Enjoy being a singleton: I know no one wants to get hit on by a skeeze at the bar, but if you've strategically placed your buns three bar stools away from your own McDreamy for months, now's the time to make your move. In El Mundo Real, the dating scene is diddly squat compared to Athens (although on the upside, you will have many more sober encounters, and you're likely to remember why Mike B. is in your cell phone). ' Ditch class: Though you'll want to, you can't skip work. Well, you can, but then Mr. Bossman will kick your butt to the curb faster than you can say unemployment. Yes, for the last four (or more) years you've had the option of attending when you felt it was necessary and sleeping when you just didn't care. Classes start at 10 minutes past the hour, but if you show up 20 minutes late, there's no penalty. If you think all of life should work like this, I agree, but unfortunately it doesn't. ' Live for The Bank of Dad: Even if you're paying your own way through college, you most likely can call up mom and dad with a desperate sigh in your voice and within a day or two you'll have a care package at your doorstep or a boost in your checking account. Either way, once the diploma hits your hand and you're earning your own income, odds are the 'rents aren't pitching in anymore.' Wear PJs, hoodies and NO makeup: Go to bed in boxers, throw on a your favorite OU hoodie in the morning and walk out the door with bed head for your 8 a.m. class. OK, please brush your teeth, too, but don't stress about makeup, heels or blazers (save those for the bars). You'll have plenty of time to dress like an adult after you graduate, and you'll miss the days when it didn't matter that iron wasn't in your vocabulary.
I know no matter how hard I try I can never prepare you completely for the real world. But if you take my advice, and you spend some time chatting with friends about what you'll miss, I'm sure you'll make the most of the last few months before you turn your tassel. Good luck!' Natalie Morales is a 2005 graduate and former Post editor who would slide on wet bricks any day if only she could wear flip flops to work.
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