It’s nearing the end of the academic year, and I think we all know what that means: saying goodbye. Whether it’s goodbye for the summer or longer, we’re all saying goodbye to someone. There are some people you won’t see over the summer but will see in the fall, there are some you won’t see until the winter semester, and some you won’t see for a year or so, depending on if you or the other person is going abroad and for how long. While those goodbyes tend to have a “see you later” attached, there are some that don’t always: the ones we say to graduating seniors.
This is my third year of goodbyes to various seniors, and it’s still hard for me. This is a nostalgic time of year, full of looking back on memories made with people who will be leaving Bates after Short Term ends, and it’s difficult not to feel sad. Of course, I’m happy for them and know they’ll go on to do amazing things, but the fact that they’re leaving also means that, at least as far as many of them are concerned, I won’t see them again. These are people I’ve spent time with and gotten to know, and it’s hard to think of the fact that I’ll probably never be able to do that again. I’ve gotten used to seeing these people in class, in Commons, in Ladd, and myriad other places on campus, and suddenly, I’m confronting the fact that that won’t be the case a month and a half from now. This is the reality of college, and of life in general; we get used to seeing people and interacting with them, and then they leave. It’s a bit nihilistic to think that everyone you know will leave at some point or another, but it’s true.
My best piece of advice? Savor each moment you have with these people before they (or you) leave. We only get so much time with them, and then they’re going elsewhere, or we are. Spend time with graduating seniors. Make new memories with them. Tell them how much you care about and appreciate them. Wish them the best of luck in their future adventures and endeavors. The people you’re really close with will make an effort to stay in touch after leaving Bates, and although it’s hard to think that you won’t get to know everyone who’s leaving Bates (as small as this school is and seems at times), it’s just how it is. If someone matters to you and you matter to them, you’ll stay in touch even if you’re not at Bates together. There will be some people you don’t hear from again, and that’s okay, even if it hurts. Above all, though, make the most of the time you have left with the graduating seniors, and be sure to wish them luck in whatever they do next.