Here at Western Carolina University, we all know of the superstition/tradition of the clock tower. I like to call it more along the lines of "the curse of the clock tower". For those of you who do not know, the curse of the clock tower is that if you walk under the clock tower during your time at Western, you will not graduate on time. This is a proven myth seeing as how I am a fifth-year senior and I have NEVER walked under that clock tower since I have been a student here at Western. I am, however, not upset about being here for a fifth-year and here is why.

1. I was not ready for the real world after only 4 years.

I know that while none of us are totally unprepared for the real world after college, after four years, I felt like I really was not ready to leave. Four years was not enough time learning and training how to be a Natural Resource Manager. I feel like after this fifth-year I have definitely been able to grow more into an adult and figure out what I want to do in life and what I want to do with my career. Also, I do not think I was ready to leave the comfort of home which is what I think of when I think of Western.

2. I was very indecisive in choosing a major.

Not only am I staying for a fifth year at Western, I also started early by attending the Academic Success Program in the summer before fall semester. Although this helped in getting myself ready for the fall semester, I had no clue what I wanted to do. I entered in the fall as a Business major with a dance minor. Then, after that, as so many of us have done, I switched from Business, to Anthropology, to Inclusive Education, and then finally to Natural Resource Conservation Management with a minor in biology by my sophomore year. This set me back a little by not getting into the classes I needed at the time I should have taken them. But don't get me wrong -- I don't regret being in Natural Resource Management and I wouldn't change it for the world. I love everything about it and the friends and now family I have made while being in this program.

3. I wouldn't have met the people I've met if I left after four years.

I have met several people in my journey at Western. Some have come and gone while others have stayed by my side and I have even met a few lifelong friends. I am very thankful for these people and all they have done for me. I also have had the best role models in professors at Western. You seriously will not find a better faculty and staff anywhere else that take the time and effort to help you succeed.

4. I am way too prideful in my university.

Go Cats! Need I say more?

5. I have grown comfortable with where I am.

Western has become my home. It is going to be so strange not driving to campus every day and stressing out about open spots in the library parking lot. It will be even weirder not spending countless hours in the library or the GIS (Geographic Information System) Lab. We all have our little homes on campus in which our majors reside, mine being Stillwell Science building.

However, these years will come to an end and I will become a graduate of Western Carolina University. But, I will never stop being a Catamount and never stop having that Purple Pride.