I'm officially graduating university in two weeks. It's a scary thought.

At my last graduation, when I was 17 years old, I couldn't believe how old 21 sounded. Now that I'm here I don't feel that old at all.

But, the thing about these transitional moments is it facilitates a true moment of reflection. Looking back I'm glad I did it the way I did, my university experience. But, if I had a do over, I'd like to discuss the things I'd change.

1) Get more involved, meet more people.

I got discouraged early with how to present myself to others, and where to meet people. I had this misconstrued notion that the only way to meet people was to go out drinking. I just didn't know how to conduct myself in that manner. In truth I've met many people in my senior year and I'm glad. I wish I'd known where to look for them long ago.

2) Ask for help.

This is a big one. As I've struggled since my first year to dig my GPA out of the rut caused by a poor first year I keep thinking, if only I'd swallowed my pride and fear and approached one of the many resources available. In high school work came easy. In university, not so much. I failed french in first year and have far too many Cs on my transcript. Professors and TAs are there to teach, ask for help, attend office hours, if only for the social networking aspect. Show your educators respect, they deserve it.

3) Be smarter with my finances.

Though the financial debt of university is a big one, I see coming out of university many more big debts coming in my future. I wish I hadn't been so frivilous with my money. I thought, since I wasn't the typical university student, spending rediculous amounts on alcohol, that I'd just be fine. I was wrong, I spent money poorl. Just recently I've learned smarter alternatives.

FOOD: I need to stop eating out as often. It's not healthy, and it's expensive. I should reserve outings for special occasions. Buy the essential groceries and watch how long they last.

CLOTHES: The mall has such a strong appeal to me, I love the new. Recently I've learned to knack to thrift store shopping. So much cheaper, and hey- its cool and unique clothes. Previously loved, fabric with a story, my kind of thing.

ENTERTAINMENT: Let's face it, the movies have gotten expensive! Even rentals are fairly pricey. The local library has movies for free, this goes for books too. I spend too much on books, even if I'm spending it at my most favourite used book store- not as often.
I love being outside, why not spend a day in the park. Every time I go it's something different, I see something new, I go with a different friend, at a different time of day. Sometimes for a run, a quick walk, tanning, writing. There are so many activities and I'd say every city has some sort of a park.

These are things I've learned late in life, you could say. My university experience was one to cherish in every aspect. I can't help but think, this is just the beginning...