An Open Letter to the Post-Grad Hauste
“Class of 2022: we did it!” - Elle Woods
Four years of summer camp with a side of studying earned you the cap, the walk across stage, the tassel movement from right to left — the ultimate feeling of accomplishment to date.
Mom sends out the professional photos and the much-appreciated grad gifts are sent in.
While heading off to your first day on campus, everyone loved to warn you that this was the “real world.” But between 80s in Aspen mixers, late night study groups fueled by plenty of coffee & sweets, and living within walking distance of 20 of your best friends, this felt like anything but the real world.
Starting a 9 to 5 and moving to different corners of the country from friends-turned-family: that feels like the real “real world.”
A little dismal, a little grief-stricken. That time of life came to an end quicker than you could say “syllabus week” and frankly, you weren’t prepared. What do you mean I’ll work until 5:00 pm every Friday from here on out? What do you mean a social calendar isn’t already solidified (and funded) purely for our enjoyment?
While going down the rabbit hole seems inevitable, let me pull you out of it right quick. This post-grad period can be the most beautiful season of life yet, but the key is that it’s all on you to make it happen.
To cultivate the same togetherness and camaraderie you’ve felt these past four years. To curate meaningful moments that foster the same joy of the beloved ABC party (don’t look that up, Mom), while adding elevation and class. While college was all about companionship, this new season is all about you coming into your own (and newsflash: you’re going to freaking love it).
I know, I know: you have $2 plates from Target, a shoebox-sized studio, and a new town with only the girl you met at the coffeeshop to invite. But that’s the beauty of it.
Make a date with the local thrift store to hunt for vintage serveware — after all, now is the time you’ll find the pieces your grandkids will fight over.
Invite your coffee-shop friend crush and her plus-five — because you never know who could walk through the door. A love interest? A person with a connection to your dream job? A new hot girl walk partner?
Cut some flowers from around the neighborhood, stick them in a teacup, and call it a day — run with this minimalistic, no-fuss lifestyle with all the conviction in the world.
Now is the time you start acquiring your go-to collection of hosting essentials and begin building the relationships that will last years. Now is the time you enter the real world in the best way possible.
Hauste was born during this period of life. When the emotions were high and the job options were low. I wanted to do something I was passionate about (because who doesn’t), but I knew I needed to be practical and to start my life on a strong note.
But the truth is that it all comes with time. And in the meantime, there is such thing as balance — filling the empty space with moments of celebration and taking advantage of every second.
Accept this phase as it is. While you may postpone the West Elm splurges, the good times do not need to be put on pause as well. There is such thing as stunning garden parties and champagne & sushi soirees with limited materials and budget.
Post-grad self: you can be the host with the most, the curator of elevated experiences, the initiator of lasting friendships. Now is your time to blossom, regardless of whether you feel equipped or not… just follow our lead.
