Reasons to congratulate graduates

For seniors everywhere, May means one thing: Graduation. Hats off to all the graduates -- and here are the top five reasons why:

1. Grown-up jobs

If you're graduating from college, welcome to the real world. You've worked for the last four years (and how many all-nighters?) for the chance to work for money instead of grades. It's where the rubber meets the road, and now you're officially qualified! Best of luck.

2. Finals are over

This pertains to seniors across the board. Facing finals is exhausting enough without the prospect of graduation distracting you constantly. But now, they're over and you can begin forgetting everything about Shakespearean iambic pentameter you stayed up late cramming your brain with.

3. Graduation celebrations

Barbecue in the sunshine surrounded by family and friends who are all there to tell you how awesome you are. 'Nuff said.

4. Summer

For high school grads looking forward to college in the fall, this summer will be one of the most exciting summers of your life. It starts with daydreaming at your summer job about leaving the nest, and by the time you buy a mini-fridge and awkwardly meet your prospective roommate, you won't be able to sit still.

5. Grad School

Not everyone who graduates college is eager to go right back for seconds, but for those with postgraduate aspirations, the excitement of being accepted into a graduate program is unmistakable. They're over the moon about it, if for no other reason than the prospect of yet another graduation.