Like it or not, in a week for some seniors, they will be walking across the stage getting their diploma. They'll be doing the g-word.
I've avoided staying the g-word. Until now...
Seniors will be graduating.
Usually, I'm content as heck when people graduate, but this year is different for me. The seniors that I have met since my freshman year of college are the first group of seniors that I have met that have truly made me realize who I want to be as a person. There's a lot that they have taught us, probably like some really cool 'senior year and I have this wisdom' superpower.
You all have taught us underclassmen something truly genuine so, this one is for you to look back and remember just how great you all are.
1. Work is Important.
That's why you guys were here in the first place. College taught us a lot of things. We've learned to live independently, learned to not set popcorn on fire in a dorm, and have learned how to manage our time. Throughout it all, you've taught us underclassmen what is important in life: work hard, go out and have fun, but you taught us why we are actually here. College gives us a lot of things, but in the end, you are really here for the fancy piece of paper with your name on it and some debt. Thanks for showing us that work should be valued as a priority that we can balance.
2. Time Management is Important.
Time and time again, seniors have told us that time management is a big thing to maintain and have. College was making time for studying, classes and trying to wake up the next day after a long night at the bars. If there were more hours in the day, we would do everything and anything and you guys have shown us that it is possible to live life and to do oh so flawlessly. When you go into the real world, never forget that you can manage your work life with actual life. That means you probably don't have to quit cold turkey and not go out to the bars anymore...but just not all the time.
3. Follow Your Dreams.
Always remember who you wanted to be when you were little and why you came to college in the first place. It'll take time, but the journey is worth it in the end if you're going to be happy in the end. If you find your dream job in the end and have fun in the real world, then that's all that truly matters.
4. Be Happy.
Graduating and going into the real world means that sometimes you won't have a great day all the time. Never forget that sometimes you will have bad days, but that doesn't mean your day isn't done. Always push through the day and always have a smile on your face.
5. Never Forget Us.
You're leaving us behind, but that does not mean that we are forgotten. Don't forget your home away from home and the people who are still back at college. Friendships might not be as constant because the real world makes people busier, but that doesn't mean we don't not want to hear from you guys every once in awhile. Never forget your friends, and never forget the college that made you who you are.
Congratulations seniors, thank you for all that you have taught us. From telling us what classes are great to take, to saying that it's fully acceptable to go out before a big test, to always being there for the best advice, you will be truly, truly missed. Thanks for making college a home away from home. Good luck with whatever you do, no matter what you all have impacted us in some way.
