I’m about to graduate college. Three and a half years of my adult life, and it’s been a crazy ride — ups and downs, highs and lows -– but somewhere along the way, I found myself between the smiles and sincerity of my people.
I’ve gathered a collection of memories and souvenirs from all those close to me that have truly shown me who I am. Memories around a conversation pit, a cardboard castle, handmade board games, and seeing the Eiffel tower. Reminiscing on pickup sticks, borrowing bracelets, and choosing Halloween costumes. Writing, crying, singing in the car — all of it. There’ve been so many road trips, broken bones, and nights wearing someone else’s clothes. And within it all, I’ve discovered who I am and where I want to go in life. Every moment shared with the ones I’ve loved have made me truly genuine.
Nearing the end of college is nothing short of emotional. Realizing I’ll have to leave behind the relationships I’ve spent years making is heartbreaking. But I think everything that I have learned has prepared me for the next chapter of my life — even if I don’t feel ready for it. I’m so incredibly thankful for everyone I love. To my mom, for teaching me strength and giving me a space of comfort. To my dad, who’s shown me how to find light and interest in the smallest of things. To my little brother, who’s shown me the importance of perspective. To my grandparents, who’ve taught me loyalty. To my partner, who’s shown me the love I deserve and encouraged me to chase my passions. To my hometown friends, whose inclusive and considerate nature have made me into the type of person I’ve always wanted to be. To my college friends, who’ve taught me patience, commitment, and given me unconditional support. To Her Campus, which has given me sisterhood and a sense of belonging when I needed it the most. And to everyone else I’ve met along the way, whose words and actions have shaped me into the person I am today — thank you.
You have all allowed me to change over these past few years into someone unrecognizable to my freshman year self. Someone who has grown, failed, and thrived in every aspect. I’m scared to leave the space I just found myself getting comfortable in. I can’t predict what the future holds for myself or anyone in my life. We’re entering a time of uncertainty and new responsibilities without the support systems we’ve relied on these past few years. College, friendships, houses, and traditions will all be missed. But, these years have given us so much more: memories, skills, knowledge, habits, and our true genuine selves.
To all the younger classmen who are dreading the uncertainty of our future, just know that things have a way of working themselves out. The boy you cried your heart over last week or the embarrassing realization of what went on last night won’t ruin things for you. We get so many chances and redos in our life, so learn to forgive yourself. Forgive yourself for the tests you’ve failed, the friendships you’ve lost, and every mistake you have made and will make. There’s almost no mistakes that can’t be healed with time, and we are so fortunate to have so much time ahead of us.
To all the upperclassmen who are buying a cap and gown or deciding what will await them after college, I urge you to find gratitude. Find fortune in all your experiences — the good and the bad. Remember that failing your sophomore year chemistry exam taught you to focus and learn better study techniques. Reflect on failed friendships and relationships — they brought you to the people you surround yourself with today. And most importantly, reminisce on all the joy college has given you. All the laughter, smiles, first kisses, new music, hilarious photos, and shared memories. We are so lucky for our education in more ways than one; don’t forget it.
My takeaway from college is that of gratitude, forgiveness, and prioritizing yourself. If we can master these skills, we’ve truly made it in life. It may take years of failed attempts to forgive ourselves and constant nights where we can’t seem to find fortune in our situation, but I believe that focusing on those skills during and after college can improve our livelihoods tremendously — it did for me. I’ve changed so much over these past years, and I know I will only continue to do so. I’m so excited (and terrified) for the future, but I am so grateful for everything that I’ve learned — in and out of school — that has prepared me for success.
Good luck, everybody.