Since it’s graduation season and all, I figured it would be appropriate to list some things to do after graduating. No worries undergrads, most of these things can apply to you too! It’s basically things to do after a year of college. The first couple of weeks after leaving school are usually rough because you have to adjust to a new routine all over again. You’re not with your friends, you’re probably back at home, and you don’t have super bar specials to entertain you every night.

Here are some crucial things to do right after you graduate or leave school for the year…

initiating the gallery...

What are some things you’re going to do after graduation? Or if you’re still an undergrad, what are you going to do after the semester?

Caitlin is a graduate of the University of Alabama who has an obsession with cupcakes, coffee, and Harry Potter. She always has random fun facts on reserve and aspires to be a professional blogger, social media bug, and/or James Franco’s assistant. Follow her fabulous life @caitlincorsetti. You’re welcome!

[Images via We Heart It]

Isn’t that a scary thing? The “Real World”. And no, I’m not talking about the television show, although they did hold a casting in Tuscaloosa that I almost went to. I, like many of you, graduated this past weekend. Some of you have another week or two left, some of you will graduate in August or December. I was fortunate enough to finish in four years (read: the parentals said you get four years) but I tell you, I wish it wasn’t over.

I’m truly excited to start the next chapter of my life, it’s just so strange that it happened so quickly. I remember being a tiny freshman at this huge university and not knowing what to do with myself. Let me tell you all a little bit about my experience at Alabama.

My heart wasn’t set on UA when I went there. It was the best school to pursue telecommunications and broadcast journalism out of the schools I applied to. I almost went to Clemson. I was almost a cheerleader at Presbyterian College. I got a scholarship to LSU. Vanderbilt didn’t want me, and I was crushed. But it was such a blessing. I settled on Alabama because it was close to home, and they had a great program. Within my first month of college I went through a horrible breakup, was dealing with a lot of anxiety, and was overwhelmed with the hugeness of Alabama as I graduated high school with a class of 102. I started applications to transfer my second semester. My parents told me I had to stick it out for a year. Well, I almost didn’t survive after my first semester after suffering a pulmonary embolism.

I had never wanted to be at Alabama more during that week I spent in the hospital. I missed my friends and my school. I had come to terms with being there, and I loved it. I technically wasn’t supposed to go back for the semester in my condition, but I wouldn’t take no for an answer. I had to be in Tuscaloosa because it was home.

I realized how much Tuscaloosa and the university meant to me then, but that feeling of belonging was amplified during the April 27, 2011 tornado. The end of my junior year was abrupt, but the sense of community was something incredible. Walking around with my fellow students, my Alabama family and crying for our home made it all the more difficult to leave. Returning for senior year was tough because Tuscaloosa wasn’t the same. It was still missing pieces, still hurting, but being there with our community felt right.

During the thirty or so seconds that I walked across the stage, received my “we owe you a diploma” case, and did a John Bender-esque Breakfast Club fist pump to my family, my whole college career flashed before my eyes. I was filled with excitement and pride, thrilled that I completed college in four years (as a double major, too!) and had an amazing time in the process. I felt accomplished and old, but most of all, I felt ready. The University of Alabama convinced me that I am prepared for anything.

I can fight my way through any crowd after going to four years of Alabama Crimson Tide football games. I can get from point A to point B in fifteen minutes after running across the Quad to get to class. I can live on less than five hours of sleep a night after staying up to study or going out on a Wednesday. I can be patient after having to wait on the train to get to campus. I can survive physical and natural disasters after nearly dying twice. I can complete any kind of assignment after passing Media Law. I can lift a decent amount of weight after moving four times. I’m pretty sure I can do anything now.

So today when I drove home with Bryant-Denny Stadium and my sorority house in my rearview mirror, I felt good. I mean, I was sobbing and looked like a complete mess, but I felt good about my time spent there. Leaving college is sad because we’re leaving behind our best friends and our memories, but it’s a happy time too. We’re on our way to being real people in society. We’ve joined the club of esteemed college graduates which can be scary, but we’re prepared. We’re going to have jobs, be productive, and do something great with our lives. The “Real World” is about to get quite the treat.

Did you graduate this weekend? How do you feel? Are you ready for the “Real World”?

Caitlin is a graduate of the University of Alabama who has an obsession with cupcakes, coffee, and Harry Potter. She always has random fun facts on reserve and aspires to be a professional blogger, social media bug, and/or James Franco’s assistant. Follow her fabulous life @caitlincorsetti. You’re welcome!

Dear Tuffy Luv,

I was in a relationship with a guy for a little over four years. Problem was, my guy has two very different sides to him… when he was sober and when he was drunk. He was great when he was sober, and we really had a fun time together. But when he drank, he would be incredibly rude and pick fights with me that always blew out of proportion because I didn’t just quietly sit and take them. While I knew that something was extremely wrong, I kept working on him because he was out of control and I felt that there was no way a person could be this insane. I know what you’re thinking, BIG red flag. For some reason, I had strong feelings for this guy and his sober side always sucked me back in. Well each year he got better and better, and I got busier than ever balancing school and work. It got to the point where I was working early hours on the weekends, and he would spend one night with me entirely sober, and the next night he could go out drinking with his friends. We had a pretty solid routine worked out so that we could avoid this problem, I just couldn’t go out when he drank.

Recently, I have graduated college and he has been in the process of buying his first house. I made it a point not to ask to move in because I am still searching for my first legitimate job and I am getting my life in order, but he included me on the house hunting which was fun. But alas, we were out with friends one night and we got in a horrific fight, to the point where I couldn’t deal with it anymore. I broke up with him, and in two weeks it fully hit me and I was an emotional mess. After doing the biggest mistake (contacting him), he seemed distant and unsure, but we gave it another shot. After a seemingly perfect week back together, he calls me out of the blue and informs me that he is unsure of his entire life right now and does not want to be in a relationship, and that I deserve better. I cut off all ties with him, deleted him from my phone and intend on never contacting him.

While I completely agree with him, it was a long four years spent together. I know that I can never fully help him if he does not help himself or recognize his problems. After pleading with him for years, he refuses to give up drinking and does not think that he has any problem. All of his guy friends know of his problem but won’t confront him about it, because he gets very angry about it which is why this was such a huge problem for us because I don’t take actions like those quietly. Now I usually share some of your same strong views about relationships, it’s just hard when you’re the one emotionally involved. I’m not as upset as before when I had broken up with him, I think not having the guilt of possibly messing up was something that was bothering me. Since he was the one to do it, I feel confident that I will back off and leave this one alone.

But my questions is, how in two weeks did I lose him after four years together? He claims to still love me, but how could he reject me after all of this time? Was I blind to the fact that maybe he didn’t care for me through all of this?

Sincerely,
Exhausted&Confused

Dear Exhausted&Confused,

You broke up with him first. And now he’s all messed up.

I mean, it’s hard to come back from being dumped after four years (which you are now realizing). True, you broke up with him for a legitimate reason (the horrible huge fights you guys have), but, unfortunately, he can’t understand that.

Which, I guess, is what you’re saying the real problem is: his drinking.

Now, here’s where lil’ ol’ Tuffy gets a lil’ ol’ fuzzy on the details. Either he’s an alcoholic who genuinely needs help, or he’s a party guy whose lifestyle doesn’t fit yours. I, as your friendly neighborhood advice columnist, have no way of knowing which one it is.

If he’s an alcoholic, then, absolutely, #1, you should not be with him, and #2, he needs to get help.

However, judging ONLY from the details of your letter (so I may be wrong!!!!!!!!!), it doesn’t sound like he IS an alcoholic. It sounds like he’s a mean drunk.

In which case, you STILL shouldn’t be with him.

But, you know, I mean, he’s buying a house. He seems to have his life together. And he’s capable of NOT drinking (you only have seen him sober for the most part as of late). So I don’t think it’s an actual PROBLEM.

And if it’s NOT a problem–well, leave the dude alone. It doesn’t sound at all like this is holding him back in his life–you’re angry at him and you’re making it about the alcohol when it seems like maybe it’s just about the two of you. So stop trying to make him out to be an alky (unless he is!!! but from this letter it doesn’t sound like it) and accept the fact that:

Your lifestyles just don’t match.

You’re now moving onto the next phase of your life. It’s time to decide who you’re gonna be as an adult. And you yourself, you don’t want to be with someone who drinks a lot, and you don’t want to be with someone you’re fighting with. And I think those are good choices.

As for HOW you “lost” him suddenly–well, I think your breaking up with him probably knocked some shoop into him. First, he realized you COULD break up with him, which was painful and perhaps a wake up call. And, second, he realized HE could break up with YOU. Maybe he too is realizing you guys were compatible as college kids but not as long-term adults.

So do what you said and don’t contact him. If it’s meant to be, you’ll find your way back to each other. But my guess is, this was all for the best.

Hearts & Skulls,

Tuffy Luv

Question?! Answer: Ask Tuffy Luv.

So by now we all know the statistics.

The economy is suffering and because of that post-grads are suffering as well. More college graduates are left without job prospects than ever before, and maybe even more importantly, more college graduates are moving back in with their parents than ever before. Years ago, this may have been taboo. It was practically unheard of. But now, it’s happening more and more often, and is far more widely accepted. And that’s because for the first time, my generation does not expect to have a better lifestyle than that of their parents. That’s right, ladies – the recession has officially become a depression, and post grads are eying their limited prospects wearily.

According to The Huffington Post, in a survey conducted only 44% of those interviewed believed that they would surpass the lifestyle they grew up with. And as one of those soon-to-be post grads, let me say that I understand this lack of optimism completely. The economy is still recovering. The job market is terrible. And companies are downsizing instead of hiring. So how can we know be sure that we’ll even find a job, never mind a job that will provide us with a better lifestyle than the one we grew up with?

It’s a dark realization.

But while things seem a little bit depressing despite all the congratulations and “look at all you’ve accomplished” speeches, I’m going to try and be optimistic. I’m going to try and look on the bright side, and you should too. Because not having a job straight out of college and having no choice but to move back in with your parents, despite what you make think, is not the worst thing in the world.

There are some perks. First, there’s the obvious stuff. Moving back in with your parents means you get a rent free place to live, home cooked meals, and help with those everyday chores, like laundry and cleaning (which you were never very good at while you were at college anyway). But there’s a lot more to it than that. Living at home provides post grads with a safety net for a little while longer. It allows them the opportunity to search for the job they want, to turn down the menial job that will lead nowhere, to hold out for something a little better, to hold out for the job they want, to hold out for the job that will lead to a career. It allows them the opportunity to build up some savings before having to move out and pay rent. It allows them the opportunity  to find a job that not only pays well, but also a job that they like, a job that just might eventually allow them to succeed past the lifestyle of their parents.

Things are gloomy and after spending all this time and money working towards a life that seems nearly impossible to attain, we should just be thankful that our parents were fortunate enough to achieve that lifestyle, whatever that might be, because it gives us the time to figure out exactly how we’re going to achieve ours.

So…big day is almost here.

You ready for the real world?

What are your plans?

If you’re cringing at the very thought of these questions then there’s only one possible explanation: You too are a college senior. You too are caught between college and real life, trying to enjoy the time you have left at college while also trying to make plans for what comes next. You too are frustrated and upset, and unsure. But most importantly you too are badgered daily, no hourly, about all those post college plans. They want to know everything and they want to know it now. But you don’t even know the answers yourself so how can you answer their questions?

Well, lucky for you, I’ve compiled a list of answers for all those pesky questions you’re constantly being bombarded with. They may not be truthful and they may get you a few strange looks but they’ll definitely shut them up.

1. Do you have a job lined up yet?

Currently I’m mulling over a few different offers. MTV wants me on their new reality TV show. But I’m also really tempted by my acceptance to Harvard Law. Then again can Boston compare to that loft they promised me in Manhattan if I went to work for Donald Trump? Eh, maybe I’ll just finally accept Ryan Reynolds’ proposal and spend a few months honeymooning with him. What do you think I should do?

2. Whatshisname is going where? That’s all the way across the country. How are you two going to stay together?

Phone sex. Lots of it. All the same. At work. On the train. At night. In fact we have an appointment right now. We’re practicing. If you’ll excuse me.

3. Isn’t that going to be terrible, moving back in with your parents?

Yes, but in exchange for a lack of privacy I get free room and board. Free meals. Someone to help me do my laundry and a place to crash while I figure out exactly what I want to do with my life. If you can think of a better alternative please do let me know.

4. You’ve got a job? That’s great? How’d you manage that?

Slept my way to the top.

5. What are your plans?

I’ve sent in my application to live at the Playboy mansion. If that doesn’t work out I’ll just have to marry rich, which means I’ll be spending this summer googling how to be the best damn gold digging whore out there, you?

6. Can I have your futon? You don’t need it anymore, right?

Sure, you can have it. Just as long as you don’t mind me coming along with it. Because I’ve decided I’m just not ready to leave yet. I just didn’t know how to make it work if I stayed. But if you’re taking my futon that’s perfect. I’ll just crash at your place. With my futon.

7. So…are you going to miss college?

No. Not at all. Not in the least. Why would I miss the place I’ve called home for the past four years? Why would I miss the place I’ve made some of the greatest memories of my life? Why would it even matter to me at all?

8. Ready for the big day?

Am I ready for the big day? I hadn’t really thought about it? Cap and gown? Check. Graduating? Check. Ability to walk in a straight line without falling or laughing? Hmm. Maybe I should practice that. Or at least not drink that bottle of Jack before the ceremony…

9. Do you think you’ll stay in touch with your friends?

Nah. Somehow I don’t think Facebook, e-mail or Skype are going to cut it. So I’m not even going to bother trying. We’ll say goodbye at graduation and then that will be that. Cut the cord, you know?

10. You got a job that’s great? What’s your starting salary?

Millions. I mean megamillions. I work one year and I’ll never have to work again. One week and my college loans will forever be paid off. It’s great. I won’t give you an actual number though. It will blow your mind.

Of course, if none of that works, breaking down into sobs should do the trick. Trust me, works like a freaking charm. And sometimes you’ll even get pity presents!

I’m graduating in less than a month. And even though that means I have some pretty great things to look forward to it also means that I’m leaving behind a pretty good life and some pretty good friends. And that’s the reason I’ve been sporadically crying for weeks a little bit upsetting. So instead I’m going to try to look on the bright side. I’m graduating. There will be a celebration. There will be a party. And that means there will be gifts. (There are also a lot of other things to look forward to after graduation.)

And while most of these gifts won’t be nearly as great as the list I’ve compiled in my head (and rightly so), I still feel like sharing it with you ladies. Mostly because I just want to daydream about these awesome graduation presents, but also because maybe one of my relatives will find this article after winning the lottery and feel bad about getting me a crappy high school graduation present all those years ago and surprise me with one of them.

But anyway, back to the point. After day dreaming about my graduation celebration I’ve compiled a list of dream gifts. Not gifts I expect to get. Not gifts I think I should get, but gifts I wish I could get. And now I’m sharing them with you. Get ready to drool ladies.

1. MacBook Air
This one is actually pretty practical. For a long time now I’ve been a PC girl, or a Dell girl to be more precise. But after four years and more fried hard drives and/or motherboards than I care to admit, I think it’s time for a change. Now that I’m out of college I no longer have to worry about my papers being compatible with my teachers and I want to make the switch to a Mac, but not just any Mac, the MacBook Air. It’s tiny and portable, and so, so pretty.

2. A Trip to Greece
Ever since I read The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants I’ve wanted to visit Greece. And every time I see it in a movie (Mamma Mia, My Life in Ruins, and lots of other chick flicks) my desire to visit the country only increases. There’s just something about it that appeals to me, ancient and beautiful, and full of gorgeous guys with great accents. A one way ticket is fine, thanks.

3. The iPhone 5
I’ve wanted the iPhone for a very long time. But not enough to give up my Verizon service plan. So I held off on entering the world of the smart phones for a while. Until last summer. When I finally caved and got the Blackberry. Just a few months before the iPhone came to Verizon. So now I have a 2-year Blackberry plan, and can’t upgrade without paying for the iPhone in all its full price glory. Something I will not do. I will, however, accept gifts.

4. A Shopping Spree
Come on, how could I pass up the opportunity to ask for a full-fledged shopping spree? I mean I’ll be a college graduate soon. So that means I need a college graduate’s wardrobe. Wish means I need to do lots and lots of shopping. For lots and lots of shoes business attire. It doesn’t have to be the whole mall, just Macy’s will be fine…please?

5. A Lifetime Supply of Starbucks
Just because I’m giving up all-nighters that doesn’t mean I’m giving up my caffeine fix. In fact, now that I’ll have to wake before the crack of dawn I’ll need my morning macchiato more than ever before. But trenta venti caramel macchiato’s don’t come cheap, especially on a post-grad budget. So if someone else could fit the bill I’d really appreciate it.

What about all the other seniors out there? What are your dream graduation gifts? Do any of these graduation gifts belong on your list?

OK, so this isn't Kathy, but how cute is this lady?!

Kathy Vitzthum took her first class at Iowa State in 1992. Since then, she’s continued taking one college class per semester while working at raising a family. Now, 19 years later, she’s graduating with a degree in accounting, and fulfilling a promise she made to her father years ago.

Gawker was kind enough to bring this woman’s story to our attention and we thought we’d bring it to yours. Because not only does she deserve a little recognition for having the determination to stick with it for 19 years while holding a job and raising a family, but she’s also done the one thing no one else has. (Poor Cappie he left after just 5 years.)

She’s managed to prove all those people who say “you won’t be in college forever” wrong. She proved to people everywhere that if you really want to you can make college last. So come on ladies, let’s tip our hats to the woman that didn’t just make her own dream come true, but ours too.

I bet you graduating seniors are re-thinking your plans now, aren’t ya?

I remember when I was finishing my senior year. I developed a paralyzing fear that would wake me up in the middle of the night (even after wine pong night when NOTHING should wake you up). For the first time in my life I had no idea what was coming next, where I’d be, what I’d be doing, or who I’d be doing it with. And if that isn’t enough to make you crap your pants, well, you’ve got nerves of steel.

Of course, now different things scare me. Like Guidos, my parents finding my “list,” and people with tracheotomy holes (OMG I just Googled that for spell-checking purposes and nearly barfed), but thinking back to that point in my life still, to this day, gives me pangs of anxiety. Some CollegeCandy writers are at that point, so in an effort to get everyone thinking of something besides the bleak economy and leaving the best 4 years of their life behind, I asked everyone to share their biggest fears this week. And – BONUS! – I got some dedicated CollegeCandy readers to share too!

Ricki – University of Michigan: My biggest fear is spiders.  I always have to check the ceilings before I go to bed, just in case.

Rachael – University of Miami: My biggest fears are losing people I love, truly being alone, failure (aka living in my home town forever). Oh, and snakes – I can’t stand snakes. *Shudder*

Andi – Drake University: Getting a paper cut on my eyeball, and having someone throw-up on me. [A CC reader! Submitted via Twitter]

Brittany – University of Saint Thomas: Rejection and hydroplaning.

Meg – University of Delaware: Getting divorced or something happening to my family. Family matters more than anything to me so anything that could happen to possibly affect them would be my biggest fear.

Sammie – Fordham: Sharks eating me.  Not sharks in general, they seem pretty cool, but specifically sharks actively eating me.  That would suck.

Emily – Central College: That I’ll end up alone forever. I seriously think being the crazy cat lady runs in my family. [Via Twitter.]

Kari – Florida State: I’m terrified that my recent nightmares will come true and I’ll wake up tomorrow to find that it’s the day of the LSAT and I still can’t figure out what the hell analytical reasoning questions are talking about.

Jackelyn – San Francisco State University: Besides never finding a gorgeous guitar-playing guy who will love me forever and unconditionally and put up with my crazy life?!!! That would have to be all bugs.

Sara C – Fordham: Don’t even laugh, but my biggest fear is vomit. I will literally cry and hyperventilate if someone barfs near me. My parents used to think I was “being a baby” about it, but it turns out it’s a real phobia (emetophobia) whose sufferers can even prevent themselves from getting sick. That probably explains why I’ve only “visited vom.com” three times in my whole life.

Brithny – Duke: At the rate I’m going, with college tuition and my tendencies to buy overpriced shoes and coffee, I’m afraid I’ll be spending my first ten years into adulthood in debt. Really looking forward to sleeping in a box.

Samantha – UCSB: That at some point the “what’s next?” will be death. Seriously, after a career, marriage, kids, kids’ kids…then what!?

Lauren – Saginaw Valley State University: I have this really horrible fear of construction paper. I hate touching it, but even seeing it makes my skin crawl like a meth addict’s. Sigh, I could never become a kindergarten teacher. [Another fabulous CC reader and Facebook fan!]

Alex – Lakehead University: Biggest fear = failure. Classic perfectionist. I wish I could get over it!

Sarabeth –  University of Texas: My biggest fear is moving out to LA after I graduate, only to fail completely at film and have to move back to Texas.

Kelly – University of Iowa: Bad hair days. I will take a second shower if my bangs aren’t laying the right way.

Melanie – Northeastern University: My biggest fear? Bees. And belly revealing shirts making a comeback.

Kaitlyn – Middle Tennessee State University: I have a horrible fear of the dark. Not necessarily of the dark itself, but of what can lurk in the dark. It’s just the idea that you feel so totally alone and isolated in the little bubble of area you can see through in the dark, but past that there is always the possibility that something is creeping around and watching you…waiting to pounce. [Reader and loyal Facebook Fan.]

Nina – Michigan State University: That Glee will become less entertaining as the season goes on, if this week was any indication. Regardless, I will be sitting through every episode (for Finn’s sake, of course).

Cristina – Michigan State: Being called out on a mistake I made in front of a big group of people – board meetings, party, family dinners, etc.  Don’t scold me when I’m rolling 0 deep, yo.

As I sit elbow-deep in final papers, projects and exams that are all due within the next week, saying I’m counting down the seconds until the end of the semester is the understatement of the year. No. Of the century. But if I relayed that fact to my senior friends that are actually graduating in a couple of weeks, they’d smack me. And after four years of dealing with college guys, they’ve mastered the fine art of b*tch slapping!

The past few weeks, I find myself walking on eggshells around these depressed folk, who mope around campus as though they just lost all their belongings in a level 10 natural disaster, the CW just canceled Gossip Girl, and they found out that Mario Lopez was gay.  For real, who woulda thought offering up some Easy Mac would induce a sob-fest? I get that they’re a wee bit on edge about graduating, but really? Over Easy Mac?

If you’re still an underclassmen like me, beware. Heed my advice and avoid any mention of these 8 things when interacting with a senior if you want to avoid a smack in the face, a beer dumped over your head, or just a massive onslaught of tears…

1. “So, have you found a job yet?”
In this economy, probably not, and you want to avoid the awkward “….no” at all costs.

2. “Well you can always wait tables, right?”
You’re twisting the knife. College grads are looking for their dream job, not a 5th summer waitressing at Applebee’s

3. “So, can I have your microwave/futon/Breakfast at Tiffany’s poster?”
No, you can’t.  Your senior friend is moving out of her college house into A. her parents or B. an apartment (which her parents are no longer paying for).  So even if that Audrey Hepburn poster is not mature enough for her new grown-up pad, you won’t get it due to the pure jealousy that Audrey would be watching you livin’ the dream through her Wayfarers.

4. “God, I can’t think of anything worse than moving back home with my parents”
I can and it’s called “The Death Stare,” which you will be getting in 5, 4, 3, 2…..

5. “So this is like, your last real summer!?”
Summer to us means lounging at home, blurry trips to the beach, and sippin’ cocktails by the pool while logging occasional hours at our minimum-wage job. Summer in the real world means…not that much.  9-5 means every day, no matter the potential for a sweet tan. And reminding them of that is not in your best interest.

6. “What’s gonna happen with you and what’s-his-face?”
If one of your senior friends managed to whip a douchey college guy into boyfriend material, chances are graduation is bringing up some big question marks.  Maybe they live states away, got jobs in different cities, or are constantly on edge and arguing. Whatever it is, avoid this topic at ALL costs. Really. All of them.

7. “You’re so lucky you don’t have to deal with all this work anymore!”
Anyone who says this is lying, and anyone who hears it will know it. Along with all the work comes all the unique things you can only experience in college. For example, ditching class to fill up a plastic kiddie pool and drink beer on the first day of spring. I’m only guessing, but it’s probably not okay in the real world to ditch work to fill up a plastic kiddie pool and drink beer on the first day of spring.

8. “Congratulations!!!!”
Be prepared to get a look dirtier than your feet after a basement frat party if you congratulate a senior on leaving behind the best four years of her life.

If you haven’t heard the name Jayne Appel, then you haven’t tuned into ESPN or Sportscenter in the past month, because her name is everywhere. Appel, senior at Stanford University, has taken the college basketball world by storm over the past four years.

As an All-American athlete, Appel has led the Stanford Cardinal to the Women’s Final Four for the past two years. She has more basketball awards than one can count, was one of Glamour magazine’s 2009 Top 10 College Women, and was the number 5 draft pick of the WNBA, picked to play for the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Basketball has been her life, but basketball isn’t the only arena that Appel dominates. With her bleach-blonde hair, notorious neon pink painted fingernails, and constant carefree California attitude, Jayne Appel is just another girl ready to make her place in the world. And as a recently graduated senior (due to that whole WNBA draft thing), Appel has officially entered the real world. Okay, so maybe instead of a 9-5 desk job she’s playing a sport she loves, but she is just as scared about life post-college as the rest of us.

Since most girls our age haven’t seen their dreams become reality yet and don’t have their own Wikipedia page or Facebook fan site, I wanted to sit down with Appel to ask her some questions and pick her brain about life after college.

CC: What is your favorite thing about being a recent college graduate?
JA: Honestly? Being able to sleep more! And having so much free time and no stress from school!

CC: What will you must most about your college experience?
JA: My girlfriends. There are so many moments that have defined my college career, almost too many to name. But if I were to name one, it would just be the hard times when my friends were there for me. The whole community – my friends, teammates, and parents. I would not have made it without all of these people and feel so blessed to have had that type of support system in place during college.

CC: Do you have any regrets about your college experience?
JA: Zero regrets. I loved every minute of it. I’m sad I am missing my last quarter on campus but am so excited to start playing professionally!

CC: Most seniors are looking for jobs right now, you already have one. How do you feel about your new job?
JA: I am so excited about my opportunity to be a professional athlete. I am even more excited that it will be in San Antonio. I really liked the atmosphere there at the Final Four and am really excited about breaking in my cowboy boots, Texas style!

CC: What is the advice you would tell graduating seniors or upperclassmen about savoring their time left at college?
JA: Spend time with your friends as much as possible. Go out on that night that you usually would stay in. It is unreal how quickly these next few months are going to go, so savor them. Make a bucket list of things you desperately want to do before you graduate and have fun making the stories that you’ll want to retell later. Just enjoy it all!

CC: Speaking of enjoying it all. Do you have any love advice for college women out there?
JA: Relax. If it is meant to be, it will be. And whatever you do, stop over-analyzing! Too many of us women spend hours decoding a guy’s text or every other move, but we all need to just relax a little! I’ve been there, and it’s such a waste of time.

CC: What would you say your sense of style is? What wardrobe pieces are a must for you?
JA: When I do dress up out of sweats, I love to layer stuff. I feel that it’s a look that can work for almost everyone. I also love my Lululemon pants!.

CC: What saying or quote do you live by?
JA: “Try and fail but don’t fail to try” – Stephen Kaggwa

Follow Appel on Twitter at @jayneappel