Tag: Recent Graduate

Life

5 Signs You’re Maturing in Your 20s

thepostgraduate

You’re getting older, but are you growing up? The older we get, the more we have to examine ourselves, not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.

It may not be the best feeling in the moment, but the longterm benefits are priceless and the older you will thank you. If you’re not sure where to start, here is a list of five signs you’re starting to make self progress in your 20s.

1. You Practice Self Reflection

How will you know you’ve grown if you never reflect on your character or personal life? Thinking about who you are and how far you have come is a great way to measure progression. 

2. You Know Your Areas of Improvement

It’s okay to not know everything, to not have everything completely mastered. In fact, if you do believe you have everything perfected, you may want to go back to number one. Make a note of the areas you want to work on and develop a plan for turning rough spots into talents.

3. You’re Less Judgmental

By a certain age, it’s most beneficial for you and others to understand that life has not been the same for everyone. Many have had unique obstacles that impact their everyday life and being. Show grace and remember everyone is created in the image of God.

4. You Consider Others

Selfishness will leave you with only the first four letters of the word. The people in our lives that support us and love us are a blessing. Life can change at any moment and when it does, you’re going to want reliable people around you.

5. You Think and Process Before You Respond

When you live in purpose, you realize every word you speak holds weight. In a day and age of constant disagreement, debate and outrage, it’s easy to fly off the handle about the things you’re passionate about. Practice processing your feelings and emotions about what makes you upset before you express them. Consider whether they are worth expressing at all or if they are better shared with a smaller group.

Like you, we are also working to be our best selves, balancing life and navigating our beginning post college graduation years. You are not alone. 

Let’s continue to help one another! Share this with someone on a journey of growth and maturity. 

Sincerely,

Your Friends at Post Graduate

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5 Drinks Besides Coffee that Give Energy | Coffee Alternatives

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When you’re a busy 20-something, trying to balance the start of your career, family, friends (new and old) faith, after-work hobbies, and a ton of personal growth, sometimes your energy can wane. 

Your schedule is changing and so is your body. Treat it well and give yourself a boost. Skip the excess sugar and try these easily attainable drinks!

1. Banana Smoothie

Try a smoothie that not only tastes good, but does good for your body. It’s true that bananas contain more natural sugar (sucrose, fructose and glucose) than other fruits, but what’s also true is that because they are digested slowly, they give you sustained energy over a long period of time. No more running back and forth to the fridge.

2. Ginger Tea

Fight the 2 p.m. slump with ginger tea! You know that feeling after 2 p.m when you start wondering how only four hours have gone by? The properties inside ginger can put an end to that. The 2 p.m. slump is actually a drop in blood sugar that leads to a drop in energy. Ginger helps keep blood sugar stable.

3. Dark Chocolate Shake

Did you know chocolate contained caffeine? In fact, the darker a chocolate is, the more caffeine it has. An average size 8-ounce cup of coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine while a 3.5-ounce dark chocolate bar has about 80 mg of caffeine. Start making your dark chocolate shake now!

4. Matcha Latte

We love you a latte, a matcha latte! Grab your warm milk, matcha power, and maybe a little honey to get a calmer boost of energy. Matcha, a full tea leaf in powder form, triggers the brain to slowly release theophylline, a type of caffeinated energy, over an extended period of time. Many say the boost can last for up to six hours.

5. Carrot Apple Juice

Carrot and apple? Together? Believe it or not, the mixture is a win-win! Behind its subtly satisfying taste is high fiber carrot which helps the body release energy at a slower, steadier pace, and an apple with healthy carbohydrates that break down slowly into glucose, regulate your blood sugar and contribute to more energy over a longer period of time.

We are officially energized and hope that you will soon feel the same way! Try your hand at one of the above drinks or use this list as a guide for your daily drink decisions.

Energetically!

Post Graduate

Travel

Instagram-Worthy Flower Fields to Visit in Spring 2022

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The beginning of Spring is the return of floral beauty in many parts of the US. Over a period of just a few weeks, the growth of tens of thousands of flower species is triggered in fields, on mountains and anywhere else their seeds blow and flourish.

While some are permanent, some are fleeting. Go see them while you can, and take lots of great photos! Here are four absolutely beautiful locations where you can immerse yourself in fresh, floral beauty.

Wild Berry Farm (Saddler, Texas)

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Nothing says Spring like sunflowers! Visit Wild Berry Farm to skip through a field of thousands. When you’re finished, be sure to check out some of its fresh, farm-grown fruits including blackberries, elderberries and blue berries.

Purple Haze Lavender Farm (Sequim, Washington)

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Take a relaxing stroll through lush rows of one of the most stress-relieving herbs on earth. Lavender at Purple Haze includes both purple and white plants! Take in all the smells, and if one of your friends can’t make it, be sure to pick a bouquet for them as a thoughtful souvenir.

Wooden Farm Shoe Tulip Farm (Woodburn, Oregon)

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Lift your spirit with over 40 acres of multicolored tulips! Don’t forget to capture a photo of the state of Oregon’s stunning Mt. Hood in the background (which, between you and us, is actually a stratovolcano).

Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve (Lancaster, California)

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Flowers in the dessert? From Mid-February through May, the Mojave Desert Grassland habitat glistens with wild poppies whose color changes day to day. The site contains eight miles of trails with wheelchair access and several resting areas.

Spring has (almost) sprung! Enjoy the beauty of new growth and flourish.

Sincerely,

Post Graduate 

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5 Things to Do During a Social Media Break 

thepostgraduate

The last couple of years has people rethinking the amount of time they spend on social media. Viral dances, entertaining lip syncs and hot topics served us well and kept us occupied during hard times. 

However, it also developed within us a greater appreciation for life offline. Moments in the great outdoors, laughs with family and friends, a quick pastry from our local baker were all the types of things we missed.

Though it looks like many of us are headed for another round of shutdowns, we can still get creative and take breaks from our social platforms. Here are six ideas for the Post Graduate Gang!

1. Get a Good Book

Remember that story about how you used to read leisurely a lot before college, but then required class readings got in the way and you stopped? So many of us have that same story! You’re not alone. Check out what’s new (or old) at your local bookstore or on Amazon.

2. Find a New Park.

Even if it’s not currently safe to visit some of the world’s natural wonders, you can still be exposed to the beauty of nature through a trip to your local park or a drive to a nearby national park. Nature brings rejuvenation and inspiration.

3. Catch Up With Friends and Family In-person

There’s nothing quite like quality time with people you love. If it’s safe, pay someone a visit or invite someone out to an enjoyable activity. Good times with good people help you remember that challenges are never as bad as they seem and refill your hope.

4. Engage in Self-reflection.

Your 20s are likely the first time you really get to plan out your own life. It’s freedom, but with added responsibility. Things won’t just happen, but you have the power to make them happen. Take some time to pray and plan.

5. Try Out Some New Recipes.

How good is your cooking? Make it even better with enjoyable practice recipes. Find the master chef inside of you by trying out harder, new dishes, even if you practice more than once.

Well, that’s all from us for right now! We’re excited about the joy and purpose you’ll find offline and the new treasures you’ll discover. If you’d like, you can tag us on Instagram or Facebook and share your experiences.

Purposefully,

Post Graduate

Faith

3 Christian Devotionals on Gratitude 

thepostgraduate

Gratitude is one of society’s healthiest new habits. It involves taking a closer look at life and examining everything that makes it beautiful.

Being thankful helps us to remember that we are blessed, brings hope into any situation and reminds us that things are never as bad as they seem. 

Though we all want to be optimistic and full of faith all the time, sometimes seasons of unpredictability can throw us off. Let’s be honest. Writing out those gratitude lists can be challenging, but you are not alone.

Check out these devotionals written by people on the same journey you’re on – the quest for gratitude!  

Learn four practical techniques for embedding gratitude into your everyday life.

Start Now

Get seven reasons to be thankful to God over a period of seven days from the book of Psalms.

Start Now

Take a look at how appreciating the elements of your everyday life can give you a grateful heart.

Start Now

We are thankful that you’re part of our post graduation community!

With Gratitude,

Post Graduate 

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5 Fun Friendsgiving Activities for 2021 

thepostgraduate

It’s that time! Gather your gang and get ready to adult together – or not – for Friendsgiving. 

Friendsgiving was popularized just a few years ago by twenty-somethings who wanted to celebrate Thanksgiving together before the “real thing” arrived and everyone had to be on their best, most formal behavior.

In most cases, Friendsgiving is an imitation of the actual holiday replicated by young adults, but it can be many things. Take a look at these fun Friendsgiving ideas to learn how you can remix the remix!

1. Binge Christmas Movies

Thanksgiving is really just pre-Christmas right? Start celebrating early by binge-watching holiday movies. Put together a collection of your favorite classics, try the legendary Christmas comedies of the early 2000s or checkout whatever is showing on Hallmark.

2. Rent a Cabin

What’s more festive than a cozy cabin trip? Pick a place with all the holiday feels and hit up Airbnb. Don’t forget to pack hot chocolate and Christmas cookies.

3. Cook and Host a Traditional Family Dinner

A classic Friendsgiving –  try your hand at what your family makes so well with friends and get fancy. Dress up, set the table nicely and have a classic evening dinner. You can use an air fryer! 

4. Get Moving: Go Skiing, Bowling, Hiking, Etc.

The holidays don’t have to be about catching up indoors! You can get active with exciting seasonal activities. Plan a day on the snowy slope or visit your favorite hiking trail. 

5. Plan or Join a Service Activity.

The best thing about the holidays is the multitude of opportunities to finally give and serve. Plan a clothing giveaway, sign up to volunteer at a public dinner or support organizations who have annual holiday service events.

The holidays can be hectic, but time with those we love makes it all worth it. Enjoy this season and remember to practice gratitude!

Happy Holidays!

Post Graduate

Love

3 Signs You’re Ready for a New Relationship in Your 20’s | Dating in Your 20’s 

thepostgraduate

Relationships shape the trajectory of our life stories. When people come into our lives, as friends, associates and especially romantic partners, you both pull each other in a certain direction.

They are pretty important. Though you don’t want to develop a fear of forming connections, in your 20’s, relationships should be approached with wisdom and vision. 

Intentional romantic partnerships usually have a specific goal and purpose.  You want to enhance each other’s lives, not take away from them. Not sure you’re ready to start dating again? 

Pay attention to these simple signs.

1. You’ve Thought About Who You Are and What You Want 

Of course, you don’t have to have it all figured out, but you at least want to have some vision for what you want your future to look like. Relationships involve compromise, but that doesn’t equate to loosing your individuality. What are your dreams and what do you value? Find someone whose vision merges well with yours and live life beautifully and purposefully.

2. You Want a Relationship, but Don’t Need One

This one’s tricky, especially as you get older and understand how unpredictable and challenging life can be. Your partner is supposed to be there to help get you through the tough times, but would burn out trying to be your sole source of emotional healing and coping. Before a relationship, we should learn the healthiest ways to deal with our emotions and the role our significant other should play in our emotional wellbeing.

3. You Have Peace About the Pursuit

What is God saying in your spirit? Like many other critical life decisions, you will probably feel a little nudge, one that’s distinguishable from fear and nervous jitters. Pray about your decision and, if it makes sense, consult with unbiased, wise mentors.

Whether you’re ready or not, we wish you the best in living purposefully on the rollercoaster that is your 20s. 

Positively,

Post Graduate

Life

5 Conversation Starters for Making Friends After College

thepostgraduate

For those of us who have a longtime circle of friends or struggle with social anxiety, meeting new people can be nerve-racking. What do we say and what impression will they get? 

The most important thing is to remember that you are both human, both imperfect and both just trying – no need to be afraid. After getting over this fear, here are a few interesting questions you can ask to get the conversation going!

1. Tell Me About Yourself.

Whether we like to admit it or not, it’s scientifically proven that we all love talking about ourselves. Believe or not, everyone’s story is pretty interesting. You’re the only one who has ever lived the life you live and people want to hear about it.

2. What’s Your Favorite Social Media Platform?

Are you more of a Facebook gal or the Twitter guy? Over 3.6 billion people have some form of social media and most of us have lots of opinions about it. This is a great opportunity to learn about people’s likes and dislikes and can give clues on what other things may interest this person.

3. Stream Anything Good Lately?

You know that series everyone’s talking about? Yeah, that one – talk about that. What we watch sticks with us, and in a way, we become experts on it. Give ideas, opinions and other similar suggestions.

4. What Are Some of Your Favorite Hobbies?

Bring out feelings of joy by discussing what people like to do. You’ll be surprised by how they light up. Talking about hobbies is always fun and can create an avenue for deepening the relationship through quality time engaging in that hobby together.

5. How Are You Enjoying the Weather?

It’s pretty standard, but it works. People’s reaction to the weather can give insight on their life context and upbringing. Why do you love the cold? Have you always enjoyed Autumn?

Making friends after college can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Use these conversations starters and research more if needed. Let us know how it goes!

Kindly,

Post Graduate

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Life

3 Personal Fears to Overcome in Your 20s: How to Be Courageous

thepostgraduate

Remember that thing you used to be afraid of when you were little? The unidentified noise under your bed, the 9-year-old bully in the cafeteria, the neighbor’s dog that was just a little too intimidating?

They’re all laughable now and it’s hard to understand your reasoning behind why you were so afraid in the first place. The older we get, the longer this list gets.

All types of unreasonable fears, even some we forgot about, are now behind us. There’s probably something you’re afraid of right now – and in ten years – it will seem foolish, simple even.

Fear is normal, but we don’t have to let it rule over us. Here is a short list of irrational fears that try to push us around as (young) adults.

1. Other’s Negative Opinions

When I was a child, I used to think that at a certain age, everyone would just grow up, that immaturity by some act of nature just left our bodies, and that drama could only exist in “childish” spaces. 

I was wrong. Some people get a kick out of judging, bullying and inappropriately criticizing others well into their adult years. It’s an unfulfilling attempt to heal a hurting wound in many cases, whether they realize it or not.

Negative opinions will always be out there. The way to overcome them is through a healthy understanding and solid memory of self. Some negative opinions are completely bogus, while others may hold some truth.

Perhaps there is something you struggle with or used to struggle with. What’s important is who you are today and the direction you’re headed in now.

2. Failure

Usually fear of failure is linked to meeting others’ expectations. You’re afraid of messing up a legacy or a reputation that you worked hard to build. You don’t want to be looked at as less than you have in the pass, and you don’t want people to see you mess up.

Is what people think more important than the vision that has been pulling on you heart strings and the impact it will make? The people who really care about you won’t see you any different anyway. The cliche is true, “if you fail, at least you tried.”

3. Greatness

Actually accomplishing your goal is one of the least popular and lesser talked about fears. Sometimes we know we can do it and do it amazingly, and that scares the heck out of us.

Our talents may get us into rooms that make us uncomfortable and around people who are considered VIPs. It can be intimidating, but remember you’re there because it’s where your talents naturally took you. 

You belong and you have something that someone needs.

We hope you’re pumped up and ready to laugh at whatever is trying to make you afraid in your twenties. Don’t wait until the future to look back and laugh. Laugh now!

With Courage,

Post Graduate

Life

Life After College: The Good, The Bad & The Beautiful

thepostgraduate

After one last spelling and grammar check, I drug my cursor over to the File tab to print my very last undergraduate college paper. Bending over emotionlessly in my desk chair, I grabbed several pages of public relations recommendations from the mouth of my printer.

My eyes had been glued to the screen for hours, but not anymore. I turned the bundle of papers right side up and not too soon after detected a glaring error. I quickly scrolled back through the paper, fixed the error, and raced over to the file tab to print, but this time was met with a resistant orange glow. 

My printer had stopped working. After fumbling around for a few seconds trying to mentally sort out my printing options. I quickly got up from my chair, smoothed down my hair and headed over to the fast-casual dining hall to finish my print job. As usual, the lines were long and filled with late teens and early twenty-somethings attempting cram in one last late night meal. 

Walking through the door for what I knew would be one of the last times felt like completing a secret time-traveling mission, the future and the present had caught up to each other. Very rarely do we recognize the “good ole days” as the good ole days, but when we do, its an experience that cuts deep into our perception of reality leaving an unmistakable tingling in our souls.

This is it. It’s over. 

A few days later, I woke up at home to a cleansing spring breeze and an almost-Summer sunny day. My eyes opened to a different ceiling, a new horizon and a changing season. 

It had ended just as quickly as it started.

Graduation day was anticlimactic but held a strong-silent power. My college was the last to graduate in the university and the smallest. There were empty chairs left over from the other graduations that happened earlier that week.

We went in, got our names called, heard a few speeches and that was that. I didn’t have a job lined up, but went through my last three months bearing a big secret. I barely told anyone.

I had gotten into graduate school, a graduate school linked to one of the best universities in the country.

Being part public relations major drew many multi-level marketing companies to my email inbox. Many times I didn’t know what was up until I went through unlikely job scenarios like group interviews or meetings at random locations.

One day, when I went back to my off-campus apartment to finish moving out the rest of my things, I got a phone call. It was from a small, family-run company on the outskirts of town. 

Turns out, it was more than a phone call. It was a phone interview. I thought I did pretty good, at least better than the last one where they called hours earlier than expected, in-between classes.

A little while later, I went in for a face-to-face interview and right after Independence Day, I had a marketing job at a for-profit company which I later realized was rare in my region.

It was a fresh, fun environment with pizza Fridays, weekly happy hours, monthly birthday parties, wedding and baby showers and holiday parties. It took an hour for me to get there by bus and train, thirty minutes to get to my graduate campus back from work and thirty minutes home after a two hour, thirty minute class, but it was worth it. 

It was all worth it.

Kindly,

 The Post Graduate