You've conquered exams.

You've decorated your cap,

Smiled and posed in picture after picture in that hot cap and gown,

Sat through the commencement speech that you really can't quite remember,

Survived the swarm of family and friends asking the dreaded, "So, what's next?" question,

and without a moment to breathe, you have to pack up your dorm, only to be greeted with emails from Navient Loan Department and question marks.

In the terrifying silence, you wonder "what is next?"

The bad news? You don't have it all [or any of it] figured out.

The good news? You're not supposed to.

Chances are, your colleagues who have their sights set on being Governor or becoming the founder of the next big start-up will change their plan or at least hit obstacles that they never knew came with their goals. The point? While getting to that corner office or that luxury lifestyle, you'll discover that this journey is also about growing as a person. Here are some things I wish someone would have told me after I got my degree.

1. Sit and Enjoy This Moment.

While you may feel like a ship at sea without a sail, you're actually in a beautiful place. There are rarely moments in adulthood where you can enjoy sitting still. This is the time to allow your mind to wander without thinking about pressing responsibilities or dependents. This is the very beginning of your life. You have the power to do anything you want, wherever you want, however you'd like to do it. Before you start the momentum, take some time to reflect on what you've learned and then think about what you want. Prioritize what is important to you, and commit to keeping those things close. You'll need to do this before you start your vocational path.

2. Don't Have a Full Time? No Biggie. Get a Part-Time. [If you have a full-time gig, move to #3]

Upon graduating, your parents (and other baby boomers) may attempt to make you feel guilty for not having a $50,000 gig with benefits lined up. One of the first lessons I had to learn was that Generation X and Generation Y grew up and graduated in two very different economical climates (as evidenced by the rise in adults aged 18-34 living with their parents, our generation's lack of commitment to mortgages, and our love for experiences, travel, brunch, or avocado toast - Click Here for the Inside Joke). This isn't to say that full-time job security is unfathomable, but if you don't have a job don't be to proud to grind. A part-time job can go a long way. Consider a retail position, administrative assistant gigs, barista jobs, or other positions just to get some money in your savings. This will also give you a sense of independence. Not having to ask your parents for money for time with friends or to get away for the weekend will save you from phase 3 and 4 of the culture shock that is moving back with your parents. Which brings me to #3.

3. Living With Your Parents? Here's A Guide on How to Walk Around Naked Again

I wrote a blog, this time last year, about how I missed paying rent. [Click Here]. Now I have my own apartment. It works.

4. Save That Money.

I am 27 and just beginning to grasp the concept of making money that you shouldn't spend. For so long it didn't make sense to me. Then my tire went flat, my friends planned a spontaneous trip, or the worst - my former roommate skipped out on me and left me to pay about 3 months of his portion of the rent. Moments like this show you how important it is to have cash stashed away. There's a peace in knowing that you have security in case of emergency. I've heard some financial gurus suggest putting away two months rent. I've heard other people say that 25% of your gross income should go straight to your savings. I say start by doing what you can. It's no good to put a percentage in your savings, only to frequently transfer it to your checking account. Make a goal and commit to not touching that stash.

5. Never Stop Job Dreaming

First things first, there is no such thing as a perfect job. If you love what you do, chances are your desk buddy might chew too loudly. If you love the location of your gig, the pay may not be what you need it to be. With that being said, this job that you have does not have to be "it." Date around, go to networking events, take on an internship or fellowship before committing to an associate position, or continue to do informational interviews until you find what it is you need.

Celebrate yourself! While you have so much left to gain, be proud of your accomplishments thus far!