Dear Class of 2020,

It's been 15 years since I graduated high school, 11 since I graduated from college. I've been considered an adult for roughly half of my life. I'd like to think I've learned a lot about life over the last decade and a half, and would like to share some of the lessons that have stuck with me the longest.

Choose your major and/or your career because of your convictions. Money is great, but happiness and peace of mind are ultimately more important.

Take that fun or interesting class. I worked with an IT grad turned engineer who only discovered he wanted to work in television because he thought the directing class would be fun.

On the flip side, drop that extra class you seriously don't have time for, especially if it's going to take away from the classes that actually count toward your degree. And don't feel guilty for it.

Get to know the professors, deans, secretaries, basically everyone who works in your chosen department. Be more than just a name or number to them. Be a face. You truly have no idea how far those seemingly fleeting connections can stretch.

Branch out and make new friends. Don't just keep hanging out with the people who followed you from high school.

Apply for all the jobs, even the ones you don't think you're qualified for or have the right kind of experience for. It won't hurt you, and you could end up in the dream job you never knew you wanted.

Don't give up on your dreams. The path may not be straight and you may end up taking a few detours along the way, but if you really want something badly enough and you put in the work to get there, you can achieve it.

Good luck with whatever path you've chosen to follow post-graduation. I wish you success and, most of all, happiness.