// 22 Things I Learned in Undergrad //

22. Never underestimate the power of the curve. 

21. You will be broke about 75% of your college career. Learn to cook.

20. You are nothing without your smartphone.

19. Socialize. It’s okay to kick it, really. 

18. Boys don’t bite. But they still suck. 

17. Never have a routine. 

16. Take at least one class a semester you know you’ll enjoy. And not an easy A. 

15. It’s okay to be sad for no reason. It’s not okay to turn your life into a reality show. 

14. Social media can make or break you. Use it wisely. Or selectively. 

13. Also, social media is not real life. There is a world beyond your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Use it. Without a camera. 

12. Make the most of your work experience. Sometimes you won’t enjoy it, and sometimes you’ll doubt it, but it’s what you get from it that matters in the end. 

11. Invest in a good wardrobe. Colors, cuts, heels, glitter. Or you can look at mine. 

10. Challenge yourself. Life is nothing without a struggle, so you might as well make it a struggle you choose. 

9. BUY ALL THE STUFF. Worry about your parents later* 

8. Eat everything. There is at least one amazing restaurant in your college town—find it! 

7. Watching the sun rise from the library is only depressing if you let it be. 

5. Help people as much as you can. You were in their position once, and you might be just what they need. 

4. Everything happens for a reason. That test grade. That breakup, That rejection. It’s all part of your path, and it all makes sense. Maybe not now, but one day. 

3. Make mistakes. Just make hella mistakes, because it’s the last chance you have to screw up and learn from it all over again. 

2. Don’t change yourself, for anyone. Ever. 

1. Be proud of yourself. You took an opportunity people rarely receive and you made it. You deserved it. 

// 22//

Twenty-two came and went and the world didn’t end. I think it became my first adult birthday, where the world didn’t stop and bad things still happened and I woke up the next day and dealt with them. Regardless, still grateful for everyone who cared enough to make it a good birthday. Maybe I didn’t live up to who I thought I would be by now, but I know I am working on it. 

Until then, T-minus 7 days until graduation. Does anyone know what I’ll be wearing? 

(c/o Ume Butt

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// May 2, 2013 //

Last day of undergrad classes at Berkeley. Technically, that means the end of this blog. Not sure if I did you all justice (to all 0.03 people reading this) but I can’t imagine putting my two years away from home into proper words, pictures, or memories. In a week, I turn 22. In two weeks, I graduate from UC Berkeley, and in a month I start my first post-grad job (eh, close enough). 

Don’t hate me because all you’ll read for the next month or so are reflections of every emotion I have until I can’t express anymore. And that’s a lot.