As the Spring semester comes to an end we find ourselves at a place we thought we could avoid if we just pretended it wasn't happening: graduation.

Some of us are the graduates, while others are just friends on the sidelines watching as the people we care about move on to the next extraordinary chapters of their lives. Having to watch a multitude of my friends walk across that stage, shake hands, and get that diploma they worked their asses off to get was one of the happiest, but also saddest experiences I have from college so far. People come and go when it is their time to, but it's such a strange thing to think that these people that you spent your days walking to class with, eating lunch in the caf with, and the people you weren't afraid to be yourself around, aren't going to be there come the Fall semester. Some will move onto graduate school, and some will move into the "real world" to finally be adults. Wherever they may go that doesn't make the whole process of graduating and saying goodbye any easier.

The class of 2017 carries a lot of people that hold a special place in my heart, and I'm sad to see them lessen as regulars in my life, but couldn't be more proud of all they are about to bring the world. But just because they're graduating doesn't necessarily mean it's goodbye; it just means a little more of an excitement build up when you get to talk and catch up, or when you see each other unexpectedly. Graduation doesn't change anything about your friendships or your importance to one another; it is simply a test to see just how loyal you are to the people you care about.

To all those who have graduated or are patiently waiting these next few weeks know one thing: the world is yours for the taking and you have left me with more of an impact than you could even imagine. Thank you for the memories, the late night talks, the nights we don't remember, random drives, and so much more than that, but you get the gist. I am beyond proud of each and every one of you no matter how long it took or what you had to go through to achieve such an accomplishment. You are all people I am so thankful to have met, and hope the future only shows us ways to stay connected as adult life sets in.

Here's to the last 4 years of your college careers and all the memories you have made, both good and bad. There has been a world of hell thrown at you in this time, of that I'm sure, but look at you all dressed in your caps and gowns with the most expensive piece of paper you'll ever possess. You're all doing big things, and I couldn't be prouder to be there rooting you on from the audience. Graduation doesn't mean goodbye, it's an I'll see you when I see you. I hope when I see you that you're all happy in where your educational path takes you. Thank you again for everything you have left behind, and congratulations to you all!