It’s that time of year again. The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer and our motivation to go to class is getting weaker. Yes, it is definitely spring semester at JMU. Except this time is different because for the class of 2013, it’s our last.
As I look at my graduation gown hanging in my closet I can’t help but laugh thinking about how I got to this point. I look at pictures from my freshman year and think how I am a completely different person now than I used to be. A wise man named Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Never has that quote had more meaning than it does spring semester senior year.
When else but college can you live with your best friends in a town house paid for by your parents? When else can you order pizza with five sides of ranch at 2 am and still consider it socially acceptable? When else is every weekend like Halloween and instead of “day glow” you go to KA glow? When else does the weekend start on Thursday and seemingly never end?
Class of 2017, there are so many lessons to be learned in four years. So many awkward situations you will come across. Accept that it will happen and embrace it because after your time at JMU is over, these things will make the funniest stories.
-Know that social media has the power to make your life embarrassing.
-Know that the freshman 15 is a real thing and will probably happen (but the sophomore slim down will help you take back control).
-Ladies, remember that boys talk more than girls.
-Dominoes > Chanellos
-Jimmy Johns is actually freaky fast delivery.
-If you’re hoping to avoid someone, you will 100% see them on campus, in the gym or in a food establishment.
-The elliptical sign up is a real thing and people will call you out for taking their spot.
-Take as many naps as you can!!!
-Save your absences for the end of the semester when you can’t possibly listen to your professor anymore.
-Ratemyprofessor.com – memorize it; let it be your friend.
-You will probably not get the classes you want until senior year.
-E-Hall > D-Hall
-Springfest was as epic as everyone says.
-Grilled cheese Thursday is worth every calorie.
-If you’re looking for all the guys, they’re in Showker.
-JMU parking really is unfortunate.
There is so much meaning in the seemingly useless things I’ve taken with me the past four years. But perhaps the most important thing I have done is be involved. Join a club, Greek life (yes!), a sports team, a business or service or honors fraternity. But don’t just join it, be a force in it and make it better than it was before you came through. Go sit on the Quad on a nice day or take a walk in the arboretum. Go sledding down the ISAT hill on a snowy day. Don’t sit around watching Netflix on a Friday night. Go out and meet everyone and anyone and dance to trashy Ke$ha songs. Live in the moment because before you know it the moment will have passed. And when it finally becomes your turn to put on that cap and gown and cross the stage at your graduation, in that moment you will know that you have truly made your mark on Madison.