every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end

http://egan.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/06/dear-graduate/
^a good article for graduates... for everyone. its advice for life.
highlights from the article:
-do one thing everyday that scares you.
-learn to cook.
-avoid phony controversies.
-volunteer.
-nourish your friendships.

if i could add my own things to the list:
-make a decision purely for yourself. just because you want to even if it makes others upset/disappointed/etc. there have been a handful of decisions i have made in college just because i wanted to do something. i thought for myself, weighed the pros and cons, and went for it. i have never regretted them once and they have helped me gain confidence and boldness in myself.
-love people hard. without second thought. intentionally. show grace and mercy to people even when you're hurt. be compassionate. care about others.
-be purposeful. do things with a reason. be intentional in relating to others... listen for the answer when you ask how people are. make goals.
-leave work at the office. i don't want my job to ever define my life more than loving god and people. so while its possible to be intentional at the office, don't bring the work junk home, to your dinner plans, to your friends, etc

i didn't know this day would ever come... the last day i ever have to walk into a classroom as a student. i don't plan on ever doing it again! no inkling of grad school here- i am done.