Graduation is quickly approaching and I’d say I’m somewhere between the 4th and 5th stages of Kubler-Ross’ five stages of grief. I’ve moved through denial, I’ve been angry, bargained that if the powers at be could just put graduation off a little longer, I’d study harder, be nicer, whatever. And now I’m just lingering between depression and acceptance.
I wish I had some profound advice to give to you underclassmen or some insight about what I’ve learned in these four years. But unfortunately, I thought for a long time and this is all I could come up with:
There’s the important stuff like how I now know every place on this campus where you CANNOT park. DOTS does not mess around; if you’re .67 seconds late, they’ll ticket you. I’d estimate I owe this university at least $5,000 in parking tickets. I’ve leaned that group projects are the devil and, despite what professors say about preparing students to work with a team in the real world, group projects are really just a cop out for them so they can grade fewer assignments. I’ve learned despite how much you drink, vomit and bargain with the higher powers that you’ll never drink again on Thursday, you’ll drink again on Friday.
Then there’s the stuff I guess you could categorize as “life lessons.” My favorite of which comes from the author of a book I’m sure many of you will be receiving in a cute little grad bag that your parents give you, thinking they’ve come up with the most clever idea when really, everyone’s parents have been giving them this book for major life milestones since 1893. I’m talking of course, about Dr. Seuss’ “Oh the Places You’ll Go.”
I’m sure you’ve seen this quote everywhere, but it’s one of my favorites so get over it because you’re going to see it again. Dr. Seuss wisely said, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
So that’s what I’ve learned in college. Unfortunately it came about three-and-a-half years in, but better late than never, right? Don’t surround yourself with people who bring you down or make you feel bad and don’t waste time trying to impress people or be a good friend to them if they can’t return the favor. There are 30,000 people on this campus, I’m sure you can find some good ones. You only have four years; enjoy them. So there you have it, my wise words of advice. Now here’s some insight from some other University of Maryland senior ladies:
“Take advantage of every opportunity to the extent that you are still enjoying yourself. Be careful of over-committing and, as hard as it is, don’t procrastinate!” Katherine Young, History
“Adapting to a new environment outside of my comfort zone, forming relationships with friends and classmates, studying abroad in a foreign country and developing the necessary skills to succeed in my career, I know that I can make it in this world and also make an impact.” Danielle Lama, Broadcast Journalism
“Procrastination sucks, but it is life.” Mara James, Government and Politics
“I learned through experiences and a few good courses how people just want to be listened to — how to be real and to listen to them without being judgmental; to sit with someone in their pain and to hope with them.” Megan McFeeley, Psychology and Criminology
“I learned about a million different new ways to procrastinate,” Harveen Bindra, Math
“I learned how to avoid bikers when I’m walking on campus,” Alli Copeland, Hearing and Speech
“I have a better understanding of balance. I was engrossed in making new friends and discovering the party scene my freshman and sophomore year. Then, I did a complete 180 and started to stress out about academics and finding internships, which led to a period of isolation. Having been on the opposite extremes, looking back, I have a better understanding on where the middle is in managing my work and social life.”—Hannah Park, Print Journalism
“If you have to choose between doing something mediocre and doing school work, do school work. If you have to choose between doing something awesome and doing school work, do something awesome.” Jess Stewart, Engineering