Diploma? Check!

So, I graduated Saturday 19 May 2012!!!! I walked (blech) and got my diploma! I somehow graduated magna cum laude (didn't know that until they handed me a fancy cord and I had to ask someone what it was for >.>).

Being the JET geek I am, I promptly took my diploma (w00t, proof of graduation!) and stuck it in my growing folder of JET related stuff. Oooh! And that gives me a way to make this a sort of useful post XD

I have a JET folder. I have a copy of my application from last year that I have read over and marked things that I can improve and things that I would like to accomplish before my next application. I also have my diploma in there, lots of envelopes (for transcript requests or anything else I might need to mail), and a list of things to improve or questions to ask a coordinator when the app gets closer. I have a second folder with my paperwork in it. I think this might be the more important one now because this reminds me of the things I need to get done for my non-JET work and my JET work. I have transcript request forms for the school I need to get transcripts from, a teacher-certification application for Maine, my passport renewal/name-change form, and my application for the TESOL course I want to take.

So, my advice? Get a folder and make a list (I love lists ^^;) of the paperwork that you will need. Things like transcripts can be requested early, so get the form and once you have the money, get the transcript, there is no reason that you can't have this prepared way before JET (unless you will still be a student and want proof of your current course-work, in which case, get your transcript closer to the application coming out and after your courses started). If you want to get your passport renewed (or need to like me, since I got married and changed my name ^^;), this can take a while and be pricey! So, get the stuff together and do it ASAP because it can be your proof of ID when doing the app and you'll need it to travel anyways.

Other uses for these exciting folders? I talk about in a couple posts (mostly posts to come in the near future) that you want to keep track of everything, so having a specific place to keep all your notes for JET or any other jobs you ever apply for is a good thing. Keep a list of clubs and extracurriculars you've done. Keep a list of jobs you've worked. Keep a list of bosses you liked and liked you. Just have all that info available for whenever you need it. Plus, it's always good to be organized and prepared! ^_^

Also:
I graduated!!!!! WOOOOOO!!!! Magna Cum Laude!!! WOOO!!!! (I initially spelled that as manga cum laude... I would have liked manga better than magna >.<)