A toast.
A toast to the rubbing of golden toes, lanyard wearing freshmen, careful paths around plaques, preacher condemnations, and the neverending but improving sounds of construction in the near distance (RIP GMU Crane). Forever live the Green and Gold, the Cinderella Story of 2006, the wonder and awe of the GMU Observatory, Slamherst, the array of colorful Sub I benches, the sunny games of ultimate frisbee on the lawn, the pictureque walk down the JC trees and the daycare little ones who waddle through campus arms linked tightly together, eyes set forward. These four years have been spent in Parking Services tickets, stomach-churning freedom meal plans at Ikes and Southside, resetting of Patriot Passwords, frustrating shrieks of faulty wifi, near golf cart run-ins, shuttle bus escapades and “accidental” spirit violations on Fridays.
I’ve made a home where students crowd around North Plaza, study socially on the second floor of the JC, celebrate homecoming to basketball in 20 degree weather, where classes start 20 minutes past four, where a former hotel now resides as dormitories for the international students and the only building open 24/7 on campus is a shop with six or seven tables serving coffee and little treats known to some as Starbucks.
Home of a swing state public school that has hosted the faces of Joe Biden, past POTUS Obama and wife Michelle Obama, Bernie Sanders, Miley Cyrus, Jesse McCartney, Hillary Clinton, Aziz Ansuri, Opal Tometi and so many more all in the span of two years. What can you say about your school?
I’m forever thankful for those who walked alongside for the long trek to and from lot K and the Field House, interational parades, well-being weeks, Greek life traditions and support, Thursday night gatherings at Fat Tuesday’s & PJ Skidoos, spoken word at the Hub and Blue Ridge, President Park celebrations of Holi Moli, the vibrant spirit of Dr. Nix and his pep band, President Angel Cabrera and his tweets, the grit of the D1 student athletes and Trevor Scambos cheering alongside, the dressed up fraternity new members opening the doors of the JC, the unique Mason Life Program and all of the friendships formed, and the chanting to the Fight Song that every student struggles to know.
Cheers to the 1,460 days spent forming everlasting friendhsips and memories with unforgettable professors, classes and events. A lot can happen in this lifetime but one thing that can be said with certainty is that these four years have been the greatest journey of maturity and growing up I have and most likely ever will undergo.
To the future generation of Patriots: take in every moment and be proud to “don that Green and Gold.”