The Online Reflector

Graduation. That word has been lingering in my thoughts for a while, especially now since it’

s rapidly approaching. I sit here as I type these words in awe that this is the last story that I will ever write for this publication. 

I’m at yet another time in my life where I am preparing to step out into a whole new direction only this time I’m facing the “real world.” This real world has been discussed all through college. Although I’ve been a spectator and able to engage a little with the people that live there, now I truly will be one of “them.”

 Someone living in the real world.   

I encountered the real world during my internships and I believe I can deal with “them,” simply because of these lessons learned at UIndy that has equipped me for what I am about to encounter. I don’

t know what words of wisdom to offer or what advice to contribute that you may not have already heard, but I hope this is beneficial.  

Fall in love. I spent every opportunity I had learning more about journalism. Four years later I’m still in love with journalism. Point is, find what you love and go for it-cliché I know. However, there is no greater joy until you’

re doing something you love and better to find out now than when you are about to graduate.  

I did this by obtaining internships. It’s the best way to find out if you really love the field you’re about to dedicate the rest of your life. I’m sure your boss will know right away if you’re in love, and you can’t fake it. So get there early and work harder than anyone else, not because you seek attention but because you’re in love. At least I know journalism will be there through sickness or in health—I’

m just saying.  

Shut up! No really, I’m serious. No one likes a gossiper. I used to talk all the time. On almost all my report cards in grade school was ‘Adrian’s a great student but she talks too much.’ People are always suspicious of people that talk just to hear themselves talk. Their words have no substance behind them.  They think they know everything and no one wants to be around them. You don’

t want that reputation to follow you into the real world. Words travel quickly, good or bad.   

The last thing you want is your boss to approach you about a rumor you started about him collecting colored eggs. Exactly. Isn’t that stupid? So don’t spread it! Just let him continue his collection in peace. The person who chooses their words carefully is wise and that’s the impression to give off in the real world. So again, shut up—I’

m just saying.  

Be real. The world is full of fakes, frauds and losers. Don’t join them. If you lose who you are, what makes you unique? If you don’t eat meat, tell people you’re a vegetarian. If you are a Christian, tell people you’re not ashamed. The point is be yourself, don’t let people dictate to you how you should act. It’

s easy to blend in.   

It’s easy to call your boss rude names, or to lie about being sick when you’re at home watching “Spongebob” just because everyone else is. People usually notice fakes. The “real world” workplace doesn’t need two of the same person. They like a variety of personalities, the same person all the time is boring. That’s why “American Idol” switched it up this year…I’

m just kidding.  

Hopefully you’ll use some of my lessons that I stumbled across throughout my time at UIndy. The real world doesn’t seem too bad, and I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it. I still have a lot of lessons to learn but that’s just it…I’

m willing to learn.   

I don’t know all the answers even after four years and will never know all of them. However I do know that I enjoyed my time here, the people I met and the memories I created. Okay enough. Before I get emotional I’

ll shut up!