On Wednesday, April 11, 2018, the Class of 2018 was formally inducted into the Meredith College Alumnae Association. The evening was filled with wise words from many wonderful alumnae and the introduction of a new doll.
Brittlyn Fate Valley was warmly welcomed into the doll collection and we can’t wait for you all to get to know her better! She is sporting a trendy outfit with nods to the class’ Cornhuskin’ themes and her suitcase is filled with keepsakes from traditions and flags from the countries represented by her classmates.
As is tradition, 2018 was welcomed to their induction ceremony by a member of their Big Sis class. Samantha-Kate Shuford, ’16 brought “16 pieces of advice from the Class of 2016”. Much of that advice is still applicable for many of us, even after years away from “Wonderland”. Below is the advice she shared.
Sixteen Pieces of Advice from the Class of 2016 –
Believe in yourself and your capabilities. Meredith has spent the last four years molding you into a strong and mighty individual. Be confident that you are prepared and ready for the next steps in life.
Always go to the job interview. Regardless of what the job description may say, you never know what great opportunity is waiting or who you may meet that can lead you to your dream job.
Always remember it is okay for your job to be different from your degree. If you have found a different passion, pursue it. You will spend at least 40 hours a week at work, you want to be sure it is something you are happy with.
Trust the process. Be okay with where you are right now. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Be sure that you are taking time to enjoy the ride.
Be aware of the Post-Graduation Social Media Blues. One of the best pieces of advice that I received back in college was that people are only going to show their best selves on social media, so don’t spend your time comparing yourself to what they may have or may not have; you never know if they are authentically happy.
Job hunting is hard – plain and simple. It takes time and patience.
Brooke Mayo, ’16, said it well, “Treat life like an interview. Each person you meet may be your next boss, or have a connection to your future career. Always be representing your best self.”
Your first job is not your forever job. If you’re not happy where you’re at, it is okay to look for something else. Express gratitude to your boss and coworkers for the awesome opportunity and move on.
Take advantage of this amazing community and sisterhood we are a part of. You are soon to be a member of 22,000 Meredith College Alums around the world and have interacted with countless teachers and mentors that are always ready and willing to help. Use these people as resources as you embark on your next journey.
Be intentional with friendships. You have spent the last four years forming beautiful bonds with the women around you. In adulthood, you have to be intentional about finding time to nurture those relationships as you no longer live across the hall from each other. You’ve been through some of the best times and the hardest times with these people and have experienced a life others will never understand, keep them close.
It’s okay to feel totally lost. Being an adult can be a difficult task to navigate. It is totally okay to feel completely lost.
“Fake it ’til ya make it.” Life is more fun when you roll with the punches and accept that no one really knows what they are doing in the adult world.
“Treat yo self.” Take all the bubble baths, long walks in the sunshine, and pet all the puppies. Self-care is extremely important as you are navigating life outside the gates.
Even in the adult world, you just have to experience it! Tom Krause once said, “There are no failures. Just experiences and your reactions to them.” Each of life’s curveballs is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Take risks. Jessica Boyd, ’16 said it best when she said, “You’re not doing anything good if you’re not scared. Don’t be afraid of progress, take advantage of it!” Be ready to dive into the unknown and see what could happen.
Be a lifelong learner. Travel, learn other cultures, try new hobbies. Find a passion that is different and pursue it.
And lastly, Always remember there’s no place like home. Sweet MC is always waiting and ready to receive you with open arms when you just need the comfort and familiarity of the place where you spent four years learning, growing, and loving.
– Samantha-Kate Shuford, ’16 and Kristen Rivera, ’16
beyondthebackgate.com 
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