For the first time since graduation, my college roommates and I made a return trip to Ann Arbor for a weekend reunion full of drinking, Michigan football and a general return to the life of college students. I can’t even tell you how excited I was to get back to campus and run amok around the town; visit our old house, drink at our favorite bars and, of course, visit our favorite late night eateries.

And for all intents and purposes, the weekend far exceeded the fun-factor I was anticipating. I got my Long Island Iced Teas and ate my New York style White Pizza. I watched the Wolverines win (even if it was a crappy team) and finally picked up my Michigan Alumni t-shirt.

It was perfect.

But this weekend also made me realize some very key post-graduation truths:

1. I can’t drink like I used to: In the old days I could down a couple (10) cocktails and dance the night away only to wake up the next morning, hit the gym and get to class. Not anymore, my friends. After getting good and drunk on Saturday night, I am still experiencing a hangover. And it is Tuesday. On the plus side: I still got my boozey-moves on the dance floor…and the videos to prove it.

2. College bars are cheap: I always used to hate those grads who came back to campus and screamed about how cheap the drinks were. Now that I am a grad, I have to scream it: drinks are so cheap! Nowhere else can a group of girls get 8 pitchers, a round of shots and 3 orders of cheese fries for $95 including tip! I may have even taken a picture of the bill. Read More »

The summer internship. You’ve worked your ass off trying to get it, sending in resumes, cold calling, spending hours in your school’s career office…and now you’re about to start. Nervous? Feeling strangely and suddenly unqualified? Packing to move to another place? This second installment of Summer Do’s and Don’ts tackles the sometimes fun, sometimes insane, experience of working for little to no pay.

• Do be prepared to know nothing initially. As Miss Control Freak USA, I hate being clueless, but it’s usually the case with internships. You’re hitting the ground running, being expected to learn everything in a day or so, but you can’t know it until someone tells you. Allow yourself to sit back and acknowledge the fact that everyone has first days, and no one is very good at them.

• Don’t get discouraged during your first week. Well, I mean, you can, but don’t let that discouragement psyche you out. Things will get better and become more familiar the longer you stay and the more open you are to putting in good work. Everyone has first days, and everyone also has first weeks. You’re not the only one who’s eaten alone on day three by the fountain in the middle of Madison Square Park, fighting off pigeons and some weird three-year-old kid who won’t stop talking about sharks. Read More »