So, it's time.
Officially April, this is the month in which Grand Canyon University (GCU) students move out of their dorms, prepare to graduate, actually graduate, and then go back home.
The final bow of their college years.
For me personally, despite graduating in exactly 22 days, the first days of April have felt eerily calm. I wasn't ready before, but I am now. I was in a frenzied state of terror in August, not wanting this to be it. But, after printing my graduation announcements and getting ready to set up my graduation party, I realized that this is it. No matter how hard graduates may resist in not accepting the finality of graduating from college, time doesn't stop for anyone.
Right here at GCU, how are us graduates preparing for one of the biggest days of their lives?
1. We were/are in denial about the whole thing.
Graduating? Me? LOL. Leaving GCU? Sure, Jan!
2. Realizing Chick Fil A won't be ten feet away when your craving hits
WHAT DO YOU MEAN I CAN'T JUST LEAVE MY DORM AND GET CHICK AT 10 P.M.?! AND POSSIBLY BUMP INTO MY CRUSH?! NO!
3. Remembering that you're not going to be in the student section at basketball games anymore
This still hasn't hit me, and I refuse to accept that I (should) be sitting in the alumni section next season instead of the Havocs student section. Peep me hanging with Thunder up top!
The glory days man!!!!
4. Booking a photographer for your senior photos
Thankfully, I had a good idea of what and who I wanted for my senior photos. Peep her page, she's amazing. (HI AMY!)
5. Being shook at seeing yourself in full regalia for your photos
Like... that's me? WHO DAT?
6. Realizing you won't be able to just walk to GCBC every day and see your friends while sipping iced coffee
Our campus coffee shop is the cutest. Its indie coffee house vibe is the most comforting, and you're guaranteed to see Pastor Tim or one of your adjunct professors chilling there throughout the day.
7. THE ICONS PASTOR TIM AND PRESIDENT MUELLER
These two right here are the faces of GCU. Pastor Tim is (obviously) the university pastor and President Mueller is the university president and CEO. They get cheered for during games and big school events, and anyone and everyone on campus knows them.
8. You're not gonna occasionally bump into Dan Majerle on campus anymore
This guy built our basketball team to be what it is today. He's dedicated, will always offer a smile, and will concern students during basketball games when he's storming around the coaches area with sweat beading down his face.
9. You won't be getting a plethora of free GCU t-shirts anymore
Literally, no GCU alum will EVER need another purple shirt in their wardrobe as long as they live. For the past four years, GCU has been handing us shirts left and right. I probably have one for each sports team, TBH.
10. You probably won't be praying in classes anymore or going to university weekly chapel
Praying at the beginning of class or before exams isn't gonna be a thing anymore? GOTTA GO WEEP ABOUT THIS.
11. One of your grad photos is obviously with the Lope
There I am. The most basic of them all. Posing with our antique cute little Lope that's in front of the school. Presh!
12. It's Lopes Out instead of Lopes Up now
Man, oh man. Four years and here we are! It's been amazing, it's been a thrill, and I've loved every minute, even the lows and disappointments. No bigger blessing has come to me than having done my four years of collegiate undergrad at GCU.
Lopes Out!
