Each time I sat down to write the latest installment of ‘Senior Sendoff’ my heart would catch in my throat. One more article, one more last, one step closer to graduation (I think I’m finally coming to terms with that word). I would constantly remind myself just how far off May 17th actually was and how much time I had left to enjoy Madison. But now, the countdown is dwindling and each morning is a reminder that I have one less day left before I become something I’ve been dreading since Welcome Week, a Wisconsin alumni.
I don’t love to give advice because I think figuring it out first hand is half the fun, but I couldn’t let my last Her Campus article slip by without taking a second to reflect on some of the most valuable things I’ve learned over the last four years.
You will fall in love
It may be with a person, a student org, your sorority, your major, a hobby, or your friends, but in your four years here you will definitely fall in love with something. Most of all, you will fall absolutely, head-over-heals in love with this place. There is nothing in the world quite like Madison, Wisconsin, especially for those of us who grew up outside of the Midwest. You have four years of trial and error here; it’s the best time to find something you feel a sense of overwhelming passion about.
Never say ‘later’
Four years may seem like an eternity, but it will be over in the blink of an eye. As cliché as it sounds, don’t take a single second here for granted. Don’t postpone things for later, because life will always get in the way. Go to as many home games as you can, eat at every single restaurant on State Street, get out of bed and go to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, walk on the frozen lake, stroll to Picnic Point, and enjoy the fact that sometimes your biggest decision may be whether or not to go out on a Tuesday night. There is an endless list of things that will make your four years here the best of your life, so seize every opportunity.
Take Risks
Make a list, set goals, say yes. A friend once asked me, when was the last time you did something for the first time? This is the time for firsts, the time for mistakes, and the time to find the person you want to be when you grow up. You will never be as young as you are right now. You will never again be 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 years old, living with your best friends in the greatest college town in the country. You are resilient, do something every day that scares you.
Breathe
Take a step back, close your eyes, and breathe. Remember, you have four years here and although they’ll be the best moments of your life, that’s all they are, moments. At the end of the day, chances are the details will be trivial. What happens today will not be the end of the world. Think about it this way, in ten years, what do you want to look back on and remember? In ten years, will this decision really change your life? Don’t overthink the little things. The guy you like never texted you back? You weren’t going to marry him anyway. Got a C on that Nutri Sci test? You’ll still graduate, I promise
Whether you’re an incoming freshman, or lucky enough to be taking a victory lap next year, I hope Madison and University of Wisconsin brings you as much happiness as it has brought me.
Take note, this article is not ‘Goodbye’ but instead, ‘Until next time.’ There’s something unique about being a Badger and that is once you commit, you’re a Badger for the rest of your life. Seniors, remember, no matter where life takes you, Madison and University of Wisconsin will always be here, with open arms, hundreds of memories, and a cold pitcher, waiting to welcome you back home.
Before I sign-off, before my last Her Campus article comes to and end, I’d like to say thank you. Thank you Madison. Thank you for being my home, for watching me grow, for showing me unconditional love, and for giving me a place that makes it so hard to say goodbye.
As always, On Wisconsin.