It feels so strange to see a “For Lease” sign in front of my house. Now that reading week has passed and the weather is finally starting to warm up, it’s become more obvious how little time I have left here at Queen’s. Since many of my friends and I have our next steps planned out, it has become increasingly crucial for us to make the most of these last few weeks that we’ll all be in Kingston together. Because of that, my most recent obsession has been to try to make the most of it, so that when I graduate in the summer, I’ll be able to reflect on these four years and feel incredible gratitude for all the memories I’ve made and friends I’ve spent quality time with.Â
One of the ways I’ve been making the most of my remaining time is by regularly going out more than once a week again. In second year, my friends and I would usually go out two to three nights a week, and occasionally it would be four. We kind of fell off going out in third year and sometimes didn’t go out once for weeks in a row, but this was typically during the colder months. Now that it’s not -20 degrees anymore, I really don’t have a good reason to not go out. I went to Stages for the first time this academic year last Saturday for the Heated Rivalry themed night and had an amazing time. I’ve also been paying visits to Ale, Brass and Toucan more often now than I have in months. Sadly, I haven’t been to a dollar beers in so long and can’t wait to make a reappearance; if only tickets didn’t sell out within thirty seconds and the line didn’t take forever to move every time. But now that time is of the essence, I’m going to have to suck it up and wait in line for over an hour, which is simply the reality of going to Trin dollar beers.
Other than getting back on the going out grind, another way I’m trying to make the most of my time is to spend quality time with my friends. Whether it’s going out, studying together, planning brunch dates, or simply being active on group chats, spending time engaging with my friends is very important for me to prioritize right now because in a few months time, we’re all going to be in different places doing different things. We won’t be able to take silly pictures of each other while not academically locked in at Stauffer, and we won’t be making plans for the upcoming weekend. Soon enough, those group chats will be used to update each other on what’s going on in our lives, and while that’s great, it’s obviously not going to be the same. For anyone else about to graduate, take advantage of the time you have left with all of your friends and cherish these moments while they last, because when we all part ways, who knows the next time we’ll be fully reunited again.
Besides going out and spending time with friends, I really just want to spend these next few weeks enjoying being in Kingston. Other than the days it’s pouring rain, this city is so nice to experience in the early spring. I’ve loved the recent days where all I’ve worn while being outside is a hoodie, and I forgot how nice it is being able to get an iced coffee and not feel like your hands are going to freeze off while holding it. Take advantage of the nice weather days when you have them, even if that means going for a short walk down Princess. I’m really hoping we have some hot days during exam season so I can take a break from studying by tanning at the pier. The days spent at the pier over all the previous years have always created amazing memories for me. So while I’m still a student here, I’m going to try to romanticize every ounce I can, even on the not-so-great days where I may not be in the mood to do so.Â
If there’s one thing I could say to a younger current or incoming student, it’s to really step back and enjoy all the amazing (and less amazing) memories you make while you’re here. Because sooner than you think, you’re also going to have a “For Lease” sign in front of your student house.     Â