Introducing Kelly ~ Mentor for College Students

In today’s crazy world, sometimes you just need a place to gather your thoughts and get some down-to-earth advice and ideas from people who have been where you are. Not everyone has a consistent mentor or role model, so Get Smart is here to provide that support system we need as we go through the various stages of becoming an adult.

Ah, college…”the best 4 years of your life”. The saying is true. During these 4 short years you’ll learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible and face challenges, too…all while trying to decide what you want to be when you grow up. Transitioning to campus life and learning to become more independent isn’t easy, especially when you’re juggling school, finances, jobs, extra-curriculars, and a social life. When the time came for me to walk across the stage and receive my diploma, I couldn’t help but look back fondly on the last 4 years…challenges and all. It is my goal to help every one of you so that when your graduation day comes, you’ll look back and cherish every moment, too.

So who am I? Well, let’s start with the basics. I just recently graduated from Florida State University last December and now am in the “big girl world” working a full-time job. I am a Florida girl who grew up in Minnesota, and come from a very large family (my dad is one of 12…need I say more?). Snow and cold weather make me happier than anything, so I’m spending the next year applying to grad schools up north. Music is a huge part of my life, as are my friends and family. My favorite color is purple and sometimes my eyes change from green to blue. I love cooking (and eating!) and exploring new places, which is why Washington, D.C. has my heart. There’s a whole lot more to me, but I’m sure it’ll all come out in time with my articles.

Why am I doing this? There’s nothing like working 40 hours a week to make you wish you were still taking classes! But in all seriousness, there are many lessons I learned the hard way, as well as things I wish I would’ve done or would’ve gotten involved in. Graduating made me sad, plain and simple. I truly didn’t want to leave FSU, as there were so many things I had yet to experience or do. I truly envy those of you still taking classes. I really did have the time of my life at FSU and I didn’t want it to end. I didn’t want to be done learning. I’m writing for Get Smart in hopes that I will help others in finding their path and challenge readers to make the most of their journey.

And here is another reason I’m doing this: I found this right after I graduated. It had a profound effect on me and it has stuck with me ever since I saw it. http://www.recombinantrecords.net/docs/2009-12-Challenged.html

I can’t wait to get started. Stay tuned