As I prepare to graduate in two weeks from Skidmore, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons that have shaped me over these past years. My ID card will stop swiping, my routines will dissolve, and I’ll no longer be an undergraduate student. From navigating personal struggles to figuring out my career path and the people I want to surround myself with, these are five lessons I’ve learned:
1. Pausing is important
College moves fast, and it’s easy to feel pressure to keep going no matter what. But I learned that taking a step back — even briefly — can bring clarity, perspective, and a reset you don’t realize you need until you take it.
2. Your path doesn’t have to be linear
I changed directions more than once, and every shift taught me something. Choosing what you truly want takes time, and there’s nothing wrong with exploring, rethinking, and letting your goals evolve as you do.
3. The right environment matters
Inspiration isn’t constant, and it often depends on where you are and who you surround yourself with. I discovered how much the right community can affect motivation, creativity, and confidence.
4. Resilience
Growth isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes resilience looks like showing up on ordinary days, trying again after setbacks, or trusting that uncertainty is part of the process. Those small acts count just as much as big wins.
5. Not every space or person will feel like home, and that’s okay
Some friendships deepened, others faded. Some spaces felt right, others didn’t. I learned to find meaning where I could, let go when I needed to, and choose people and environments that support who I’m becoming.