As we begin fall semester, I’m eager to finally be back on campus, for football games to start, and for those awesome drink specials on Thursday nights. But not only am I experiencing all of this happiness, but sadness because I’m finally a senior. This is my last year to make more amazing college memories. One year left to tailgate with my friends before football games. One year left to go out every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. One year left to pull all nighters with good company cramming for finals. One year left to scream Country Roads at the top of my lungs at sporting events, on High Street, and on the “drunk bus.” And one year left to accomplish my goals.
I remember looking at my Degree Works requirements as a freshman. I was overwhelmed by the amount of classes I had to take before I could even think about graduating. Now, I have two semesters left. I’m finally in the single digits of classes I have left to finish before I can graduate. When I thought it couldn’t be done, here I am, almost across the finish line.
Its true when they say that college flies by and to enjoy every minute of it. It seems like just yesterday that I took my first steps on campus. It seems like just yesterday that I was fearful of getting lost. And it seems like just yesterday that I experienced my first PRT ride and my first PRT breakdown. As a freshman, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I couldn’t believe I was adult enough to live on my own and make my own decisions let alone decide what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Like many, I bounced around majors trying to figure out what fit me and what would make me happy. WVU has taught me that its okay to not know exactly who you are or what you should do with your life. WVU gave me the opportunity to explore my talents and interests, and I’m so thankful for that because now I’m truly happy. I still might not be 100% positive of where my future career is going, but I’m not worried about it. Life is full of opportunities and I believe that when you know, you truly know.
I’ve made so many friends and memories, and most of all I’ve learned so much from an incredible university. I’ve had professors who have went out of their ways to make sure their students are getting the best education they deserve, and I’ve had some not so great professors, but I am thankful for both. I’m thankful because they have given me a taste of the “real world.” I’ve always considered myself an over-achiever. I like to do well in school and make great grades. But college is hard. College is a wake up call. Not everything is easy. Accounting is NOT easy. I’ve survived, I’ve learned, and I’ve succeeded.
I am so blessed to be a Mountaineer. The pride I feel for this university is indescribable. When I hear Country Roads, I get chills. The moment John Denver sings, “Almost heaven, West Virginia,” goose bumps cover my entire body. When I see Woodburn lit up at night, I smile. I never thought I could be so in love with a building, but I am. My favorite colors are blue and gold. I’m no art major, but those colors fit together perfectly. When I’m on campus, I feel at home. This is my home and these students and faculty are my family. We get our support from each other to succeed because that is what Mountaineers do. WVU gives us a sense of belonging, and being able to represent a university that gives me such a warm heart is more than rewarding. I envision my first “real” job interview giving me the chance to brag about my university and how thankful I am for such an irreplaceable education.
So, here’s to you, class of 2016. Study hard, but don’t forget to go out with your friends. Get enough sleep, but it won’t hurt you to stay up all night and cram for those finals. Be responsible, but tailgate with your friends before every home football game. Take every opportunity and make memories that will last a lifetime. And on graduation day, be proud of yourselves and take it all in. One year left, but we’ll be Mountaineers forever.