Soon-to-be college graduates,
I remember it like it was yesterday. We were lined up outside of Sandburg, Riverview or Cambridge with all of our belongings on two steel yellow moving carts. The RA’s greeted us with big smiles and excitement. Our nerves were sky high and we weren’t sure whether our hearts were racing because we were nervous or excited. Our college experience at UWM was about to take off. As we looked back to say goodbye to our parents, we didn’t realize how the next 4 years could shape us as an individual. We had no idea how much work we were headed towards, how many important decisions we were about to make and what kind of trouble we could find ourselves in. It was a fresh start to a brand new chapter and now that chapter is coming to a close. Two semesters are left in this story we call college. Two semesters left of avoiding classes before 11am, two semesters left of long nights in the library and two semesters left of debating whether going out on a week night is actually worth it or not. How is it possible that within months, we will be sitting at our graduation ceremony, when just yesterday we were still registering for our freshman year courses?
College has shaped us in so many different ways. We’ve learned things about ourselves that we didn’t know we were capable of doing. We’ve put ourselves in situations that we didn’t know whether we could get out of or not. We’ve geared ourselves up to take on whatever comes next. During these last two semesters, do what you love to do most. We’ve created so many memories the last 4 years, what makes you smile the most? It’ll be hard to avoid getting buried in stress, but we’ve found a way to have a little fun in between hectic work schedules and a pile of schoolwork, haven’t we? This year, make time for your friends who’ve stuck by your side since the days in the dorms. Go to places around Milwaukee that make your heart happy. Spend time with the people who make you laugh and forget about the stress college has put us under. Explore a place on campus you’ve never been to before. Take a different route to class and see if you run into anyone you know, you’ll be surprised how many faces you recognize. Instead of overdoing yourself this year, remember to make time for yourself. That person who stood with their belongings on two yellow steel moving carts years ago is no longer the same person anymore. They’ve grown, matured and been through one hell of a ride. Finish this last year strong, seniors because before we know it, we’ll be wearing our caps and gowns about to start yet another new chapter in our life: the real world.