You’ve heard from seniors form universities around the country who are quickly approaching the end of an era: college. But what’s life really going to be like post-May? Will naps still exist? Is having fun even allowed? Is life even worth living? Chris Davitt, a 2008 graduate of Keene State in New Hampshire sheds some light on what it’s really like out there in the “real world.” A: I miss not being able to wear sweatpants everyday. I miss the food from the dining commons. I miss door tags. I miss being able to drink at 2 in the afternoon and not having someone judge me. I miss watching people try to text in class in their ugg boots. I miss getting frustrated going to work to lifeguard at the campus pool for three hours because I knew I was missing happy hour.
Q: How did you go about finding your first job? Was it a difficult process?
A: I had a hard time finding a job at first. I was looking for a teaching position and a lot of schools were looking for somebody who had their masters. I sent out forty applications and went on about five interviews. I was only offered one job. However, I am very happy where I am now.
A: My routine is mostly the same. I work for seven hours until the late afternoon. I come home, do some work, eat dinner and watch T.V. It’s very similar to going to class, doing homework, and just hanging out at night.
A: Yes I have about $20,000 in student loans to pay off. I have been trying to save so I set up a separate bank where I put money that will eventually help me pay off my loans.
A: No I was lucky enough to move out on my own right after college and I am glad that I did so. I think it could be very difficult adjustment if you move home right after leaving college. I still have my independence that I had while I was in college.
A: Luckily they don't know about the nickname. I do however reference stories from my college days, but I leave out the stories that involve drinking. I try to maintain an image of a real person, but I also try to stay professional.
A: Yes at 23, I definitely feel young at times. However, I try to keep the mood light and I feel like people enjoy that kind of attitude
A: I consider myself lucky most of my friends from college live close by. Some of them are working and others go to school and are finishing up their degrees. I see at least one of my friends almost every weekend.
A: For the most part, not really. The only thing that has definitely changed is I have more responsibilities now.
Q: What kind of responsibilities do you have now that you didn't have in college?
A: These days I have to worry about paying bills on time, and even worse having to cook for myself.
A: Absolutely I would, but I do not think I would change much. The only thing I would do differently is study harder my Freshman year.
Q: In order to give some hope to all our graduating seniors out there, what are some benefits of living on your own, working, etc?
He was known as "Big C," back in college, but is now more commonly referred to as Mr. Davitt by his students. He spends his days teaching, cooking his own meals, and relaxing at night. He is also lucky enough to have moved out right after graduation and in turn has been able to maintain the independence he became accustomed to during his time at Keene. While he no longer has his meals cooked by the staff in the dining commons, or can get away with wearing sweatpants on a daily basis, Davitt explains life after college, isn't so bad after all. He says his life now isn't all that different than it was this time last year. He now has a place of his own, money to spend, and still spends time with his friends; now that doesn't seem so bad, does it?
