LeavinMyMark J

10 things to do after you graduate

I need to be more content with where I am in my life. Here is something i found uplifting: 

http://www.brokegradstudent.com/10-things-to-do-after-you-graduate/

Now that most schools are done with the whole graduation thing, it’s time for my list of 10 things you should do after you graduate.

1. Take a break

Unless you become a teacher, professor, or plan on going to grad school, the summer after you graduate college could be the last summer vacation you ever have, so take advantage of it by taking a break. Enjoy this free time by doing something that you find relaxing.

2. Travel

I’ve mentioned before that college is a great time to travel, so it should be no surprise that right after graduation is a great time to travel too. Save some of your graduation money and plan a trip to a place you’ve been wanting to go.

3. Read books (for fun)

After spending the past few years reading what your professors told you to read, you finally have the time and freedom to read whatever you want. Indulge yourself now that you’re free. Whether it’s sci-fi, slutty romance novels, or personal finance books, the point is that you’re reading it because you want to read it.

4. Stay up late/sleep in

Most college grads end up in 9 to 5 jobs and soon become boring just like the rest of the real world. Make the most of your time before entering the daily grind by showing a complete disregard for time. Stay up late and sleep until lunchtime while you still can.

5. Continue learning

Learning shouldn’t stop just because you’re not in school anymore. I’m a huge advocate of lifelong learning, because I think that we always have something to learn. Find something that really interests you and figure out ways to learn more about it.

6. Finish off your “Things To Do Before I Graduate” list

Chances are you struggled to get everything done in college with the most limited resource in the world — time. Well, it’s not too late. After graduation is the perfect time to do the things you always wanted to do during college, but never found the time to do them.

7. Make new goals

If you graduated from college, one of your goals was probably to graduate from college. The funny thing about accomplishing your goals is that you’re suddenly hit with the question, “Now what?” Now that you’ve finished another chapter in the story of your life, it’s time to move on and write the next chapter. Spend some time coming up with ideas for what you would like to accomplish in the next stage of your life.

8. Keep in touch

If you didn’t learn it in college, you will soon learn it in the real world — networking is one of the most important skills to have. Sure, you could be the best writer in the world, but if nobody knows about you, you will never get discovered. Keep in touch with the people you meet in college, because you never know when you might be able to help each other out in the future. It’s simpler than ever to stay connected now with sites like LinkedIn created exactly for this purpose.

9. Reconnect with old friends

A lot of college graduates go back home after graduation. This a great time to reconnect with old friends and see what everybody is up to. This may not be for everyone though, because I have met quite a few people who don’t keep in touch with old friends.

10. Spend some time with your parents

For many college graduates, this is the last period of your life that you’ll call your parents’ house “home”. Pretty soon, you’ll be moving into your own place and starting your own home. Spend some time with your parents before moving on, and they will really appreciate it.

Blogging

I’ve had a couple of lows lately and when I log onto Tumblr to begin a rant, I’d log off before posting. Most of the times I remember my past entries and realize I’m worrying about the same thing and I know I shouldn’t. Blogging is therapeutic because when you may not have someone’s ear when you need it, you have a virtual “soundboard” to rant and share how you feel. I’m a visual learner so it’s beneficial for me to “see” or read abstract ideas. And in the process, I counsel myself. 

Blogging casually though infrequently, allows me to express random ideas that pop up. It’s true that all ideas are worth sharing despite how trivial or personal you think it is. For example, It excites me to read someone’s new blog entry just to learn something new about them or share in their profound ideas or laugh at some story they share. alot of the times I could relate and it’s uplifting. So maybe the next time I have an urge to blog - I should just do it, with “No Reservations!” Anyway, thanks for blogging!

College

pearlpagarigan:

Every New Semester: 

After First Week:

After Second Week:

Before the Mid-Term Test:

During the Mid-Term Test:

After the Mid-Term Test:

Before the Final Exams:

Once Get to Know the Final Exam Schedule:

7 Days Before the Final Exam:

6 Days Before the Final Exam:

5 Days Before the Final Exam:

4 Days Before the Final Exam:

3 Days Before the Final Exam:

2 Days Before the Final Exam:

1 Day Before the Final Exam:

The Night Before the Final Exam:

1 Hour Before the Final Exam:

During the Final Exam:

Once Walk Out From the Examination Hall:

After the Final Exam, During the Holiday:

hahaha, All this needs is a Beer Pong Scene and a Facebook (“Cafe World”) procrastination scene, and it’s legit!

LOL!! damn, that’s right on the money!! i miss it - not really

POWR

“Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely” - a judge (while waiting to serve my jury duty)

Yes after two weeks back into the country, I had to exercise my civic responsibilities by serving on jury duty. I woke up at 7AM dreading the service but once I got there I realized how important it is to serve. Granted, no one wants to do it because it takes an immense amount of your time and it’s possible you won’t even see a trial, such was my case. I waited from 8AM to 4PM without my name called - not even for a preliminary screening. I spent the entire time texting.

The judge boosted the morale of those summoned by imparting a few words on the unique design of our US checks and balance system. It reminded me a critique my dutch roommate had against the Judicial branch. In Netherlands, there is no Jury - instead the trial is wholly evaluated by a judge or a panel of judges. It seems efficient, and quite frankly it is efficient. Not everyone understands the law, it ensures ignorant idiots don’t decide your fate, and it hastens the trial procedures. But considering the quote above and the ideals of the American democracy, a panel of your peers is the most suitable institution. Although, there are times in our system when a Judge solely decides (recall Judge Judge, Judge Joe Brown, and the Supreme Court). Another benefit i see from Jury Duty is it goes beyond the esoteric language of laws and incorporates the layman’s point of view - common sense. Lastly, it allows you to exercise your civic responsibilities aside from the occasional ballot-ticking. 

Maybe the next time I find a Jury summons in the mail, i won’t instinctively devise ways to get out of it - but i’ll think twice about what it means to serve. 

Get yo jury on!

Sacramento

Wow, so I’m back. I’ve been lagging on writing a post-travels blog just because it finalizes the reality that my adventures are over. I posted the other week that I now must temporarily retire my passport. But I am gracious and humbled to have completed all I that i have. Seeing a piece, a minor sliver, of the world has really transformed my approach to life. Traveling is like this much needed deep breath of fresh air that reinspires you to be passionate about life. There’s just so much to appreciate about the world and its vast buffet of culture and scenery. I was talking to my sister the other day (or her talking at me), and i realized how worked up she is, how she’s created this bubble of a world (like a snow globe) and all she sees is her and that bubble. I thought to myself, that’s such a contrast to what I’ve experienced. I understand that she has a job and she’s working to pay her bills, but that’s a lifestyle that she’s blindly subscribed to - what society calls the “rat race.” And it’s not just her, I see it in alot of people and I even see myself heading into this cycle. It sounds like a doomsday scenario but in the socioeconomical sense.

But as I pursue this job search, I will invest some time in the library to read books that might help illuminate this metaphorical dark tunnel that Ms Kate Blanco Esq. speaks of.

Good news: I’ve submitted 5 job applications. This weeks goal: 5 more apps. 

Singapore

so far, each country we’ve visited had a very different atmosphere from the location before. Vietnam seemed like a huge party scene, Laos - relaxed and calm, Cambodia seemed the most impoverished, and flashy Singapore with its towering buildings and waves of people in suits between MRT terminals. The singapore airport wasn’t as impressive as I expected, but it is pretty grand with high ceilings and fancy architectural design. Transportation was incredibly easy to use, but had a slight learning curve. We made it to our hostel without any problems. People here were actually able to guess our correct ethnicity, but there is a small population of Filipinos in the city (typically as OFWs). Our hostel is located in the center of Little India so we made sure to try the local garlic prasat and curry. Esplanade at night is Beautiful but I forgot to bring my camera so I must return before I leave to take some night shots. Not much planned for singapore, but I know people typically come here to shop and eat!

Santosa Island today! and Clarke Quay tonight! Exciting. I wanna get drunk but it might be too expensive to do so. 50$ for a jug of beer? AND that’s during happy hour?! 7-Eleven for me most definitely.

Im considering buying a ukulele! Kat and I stopped by “Ukulele Movement” and when the saleperson played Bruno Mars Billionaire and Soul Sister - it was a deal breaker. Only concern: baggage capacity.

Cambodia

Just landed into Cambodia and it’s much hotter compared to Laos, similar to Hanoi but drier. We’re staying at the Siem Reap hostel, it’s decent and its in the center of Town. We hav 3 Days to see Angkor Wat and Lonely Planet has suggested itineraries for us to follow.

I’m really going to miss Laos! The people are wonderful (minus the incident on my first day), and the atmosphere is very relaxed. This lady who we regularly bought Lao sammiches from hugged and kissed Kat and I goodbye. such a nice lady and made such delicious sandwiches! the food is amazing and we even took a Lao cooking class from the same restaurant where Jamie Olliver took a course! Too bad the girls in the cooking class with us contracted Pink Eye from the dirty muddy water in Vang Vieng while tubing. Good thing we stayed in Luang Prabang!

So far all of the places we’ve seen have been very distinct and similar at the same time. I’m happy this trip is working out for us!

Lovin Laos

Currently in Laos. Kat and I just got back from the Kuang Si Waterfalls and it was absolutely amazing. One of the most beautiful things I’ve seen so far. i hope to see more. I love Laos and the architecture in Luang Prabang. Its a fusion of Lao and French style - very simple but rich. Our Hostel is REALLY nice too, free movies at night and its in the center of everything, strong A/C, and VERY clean!

But i will update more later. I want to finish my book! I HIGHLY recommend: Ilustrado by Miguel Syjuco - not just because he’s a filipino writer but he is an INCREDIBLE and INTELLIGENT WRITER! And I encounter plenty of GRE words in there.

catch ya later - i’m scamming on free internet here and the receptionist is giving me the eye.

KATRINA D/C IS A BEAST

Yesterday Kat and I were burning rubber on the streets of Hue. Don’t challenge her to a motorbike race because her skills are limitless and when you think you’ve  caught up, she brings out the NOS - yes, rumor has it, she carries a tank of it in her fanny pack when times are necessary, she will use it to leave her opponents in a cloud of dust and she, speeding on the rim of the horizon. Hell hath no fury, like Kat D/C.

Our last day in Hue was amazing! unfortunately, I was left with sunburnt arms and a sore butt from riding all day long. We drove through urban centers, river sides, and rice fields! AMAZING. I highly recommend stopping in HUE. It’s just the most chill you can really get in Vietnam, well there’s also Hoi An and Nha Trang which i hear are also wonderful places to relax, but we didn’t have time to visit. Hue reminded us of the provinces in the Philippines. It’s rural and the people are  laid back and less in your face like what we experienced in Saigon.

At the end of the day, Kat and I were hysterically laughing over the pictures we took - I’ll save that story for later because I want to include the photo.

So after 14 hours on a sleeper bus (beds instead of chairs), we’re now in HANOI, waiting for our hostel rooms. We’ve booked our tour for Ha Long Bay tomorrow so we’re looking forward to that.

That’s it for now! I’ll update again soon!

Khong, Cam On!