One Year Later: A Reflection

It’s been a year since That First Year was launched. 365 days. And in those 365 days, more than 30 people (33, to be exact!) have contributed 131 posts to this li’l blog; more than 30 people have willingly put figurative pen to figurative paper to write about just how messy and confusing, yet oh-so-beautiful that first year after college can be. We’ve had posts covering the gamut of topics: from life to love to friends to travel to dreams to some of our favorite things.

“These posts are getting too relatable now.”

Someone said this about a post recently and I wanted to give ‘em a big ‘ole hug through the computer because that’s exactly what I was hoping this blog would be: a place where people can relate to the stories this community has shared.

That First Year has become a space where people can admit that “YO, this first year thing is kinda weird and not at all like I had imagined.” I get so giddy when I read a new post because I love when people are vulnerable and openly share their human-ness with others; it just makes me love them that much more.

Here’s the thing: That First Year can’t keep running without you, without your story. So write for us. Whether you’re experiencing that first year after college currently or have survived it and lived to tell the tale, we need your story of post-grad life lessons learned. And dudes, we invite you to contribute as well! To anyone reading this, hit us up if sharing your story interests you.

Moving forward into this blog’s second year, I have some ideas that both Kendall and Juliette have had to patiently wade through many texts, emails and phone calls about (bless them). I’m looking forward to throwing these ideas out into the world as the year progresses.

Also in the new year, we’ll be sending out posts directly to your email inbox, so you can conveniently catch up on That First Year stories you’ve missed. It’ll be on a bi-weekly basis, so we won’t be annoying about it, promise. You can sign up for the emails in the form below.