Growing up sucks. That is an undeniable truth that will remain the same until the end of time. No matter how much you try to fight it, you’ll never win. For the beginning part of my senior year in high school, I tried to avoid all conversations about post-high school life until I accepted the truth. The real world was coming and it was coming fast. So I started working to try to figure out what I was going to do with my life. Every college I applied to accepted me…except the only school I actually wanted to go to which was New York University. After I got over the pain of rejection, I still had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation. The original plan was to attend NYU to learn about the music industry and work somewhere during the summer before I left for school. When I was still waiting to hear from the NYU admissions office, I started contacting the local radio station, O’odham Hewel Ni’ok (KOHN), and they told me about job openings. I started working on my application and as soon as I got my diploma, I was able to submit it.

2 weeks after graduation, I was working at my first real job. Now I have a job, a car, and I have bills (gross).

I’ve been able to dip my feet into the real world and I’m still surviving so I think I’m doing okay so far. Here are somethings I’ve learned and noticed about myself and the world.

Maybe school isn’t right for you…yet

I knew I could just go to a different school with a music business program, but I really had no interest in going to school at all. I had my heart set on NYU so I didn’t want to go anywhere else. Am I too stubborn? Maybe. However, I do know that if I’m not interested in something, I’m not going to try at all. So I knew going to another school would just be a waste of time and money.

You’ll find your real interests

All my life, I absolutely hated school work. I hated reading and writing. I always waited as long as I possibly could to actually start an assignment, but when I actually did work on stuff, I tried my best. For the longest time my teachers gave me props for my writing skills. I just never really believed it myself. Now, I work from 6 AM to 2PM. I go to work when most people are still asleep and I’m coming back home when most people are still at work or school. So I have a lot of time to myself. One day I picked up a book and got lost in it. Along with that, I have more time to look for cool movies and now I’m just really interested in storytelling in general (If you have any book suggestions for me that would be dope). Then I started a journal and talked about things that have been bothering me for a while and now I think I’ve finally made peace with my problems. I found out that I actually enjoy words and I just ran with it. Now I write for Affinity (and I made my own website for my stuff). My freshman-self would be shocked to know what is down the road. Life is funny sometimes.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

I didn’t know how to manage money at all. I’ve never had a steady income before. Just a couple weeks before my first paycheck, me and my friends were still putting all of our money together to get some snacks from food stands! So naturally, most of my first paycheck went to unnecessary purchases. I don’t regret a single one; my box set of DragonBall Z episodes is still my proudest treasure. However, the moment wouldn’t last long as the due date for my first payments was fast approaching. I managed to survive until my second paycheck and was barely able to pay my bills. Then my first car problem happened…not my proudest moment. I had to ask my closest homies to help me out (Shoutout to Becky and Kanjul). Finding your footing in the real world isn’t easy. I’m still trying to figure it out. People will understand. Don’t be too scared to admit you need some help. LEARN HOW TO BUDGET.

Bills are no joke

I got my own car so I can get to work everyday. So I pay for a car and for insurance. By the way, if you’re thinking of getting a car soon, just remember that insurance is more expensive for us young folk because we’re young and dumb. Every adult I know is paying 90$-120$ for insurance while I’m paying 300$! Plus, I’m paying for utilities and what not at home. So, if you’re still living with your parents, help them out. Turn off the light when you leave the room, wash some dishes, turn off the TV. I sound like my parents 🙁

Forms are everywhere

Memorize your Social Security Number. You’re going to need it. A lot. It seems like everywhere I go, I have to fill out a lame form. When I opened a bank account, I filled out a form. When I bought my car, I had to fill out a form. When I applied for my job, I had to fill out a form. Everywhere I go is just more and more forms! It’s maddening. The first time I was able to fill in all my information without calling my mom for help, I felt my inner child die.make time for yourself