Graduation application: check and double-checked. Cap, gown and tassel: bought. Announcements: sent. Passing classes to ensure graduation: as long as I keep that “C” in Statistics; senioritis is a killer.

The big day is coming and these last few weeks are shaping up to be stressful ones. The pressure is mounting, you have finals to study for and you’re going half-crazy making sure all the proper paperwork is in. Don’t worry, though, it will all be over soon. Before it is, however, here are a few (more) loose ends to tie up before graduation day.

7. Pirate as much music as possible.

Nothing is free in the “real” world and that includes internet service. Yeah, you’ll be able to download albums after leaving Sac State, but chances are slim it will be the same lightning fast connection. Yar!

6. Visit the Student Health Center – it’s not just for STD tests anymore!

Stressed out? No problem. Students are eligible for three FREE 15 minute therapeutic massage sessions. No time’s better than the present to drop in and have a lovely staff member relax those tight muscles.

5. Share a pint or three among friends.

The last five or so years of college have been good, why not reminisce over a few beers. Saddle up to the bar at Round Table, strap on your “drinkin’ bracelet” and gulp down the maximum three pint limit. Just remember, drinking before class equals fun, but drinking before work equals unemployment.

4. Make friends with a teacher.

Teachers are people, too; they need friends like the rest of us. They also write killer recommendation letters for grad school and may know the boss at that dream job you’ve been eying. Hint hint.

3. Learn how to cook.

Graduation day not only marks the end of your scholastic career, but your official entrance into adulthood. Living on Top Ramen and frozen burritos was fine as a struggling college student, but those days are over. Get to know your kitchen. Added bonus: chicks dig it!

2. Get an internship.

This is important. Internships are the key for getting a foot in the door at almost every company these days. You probably won’t get paid, but you’ll get the real life experience that looks great on a resume and make a few contacts along the way.

1. Meet that special guy or gal.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but once you leave school, the amount of new people you meet severely diminishes. The bar scene isn’t the way to go. Find some courage and ask out the hottie you’ve been daydreaming about in English class all semester; you never know what will happen. For help, see No. five.

Jake Corbin can be reached at [email protected]