It is my very first September post graduation, and I've unexpectedly found myself already homesick for my new alma mater, Rutgers University. This past summer season kicked off the Class of 2016 being fresh grads, and I've come to realize how fleeting it is, so I'm doing everything I can to savor it. It is a rare and humbling realization knowing that I am at this gaping cusp of "in between". I am no longer looking at Rutgers ahead of me, but instead this season opens the chapter of leaving Rutgers behind.
And as I join the queue of Scarlet Knights moving through life after RU, I still have some parting words left to say on behalf of all alumni (if you all don't mind!) to students either beginning or continuing their journey at this school.
But first...
Hey, Alumni. Long time, no see. I don't know all of you, but I can say with confidence you're looking great.
You might've had Rutgers cross your mind recently or maybe not so much. Do you miss it? Have you visited?
So, let's talk about your very first class. Was it expos? Probably. Pre-calc? Equally as likely.
Or how about this. Which dining hall did you visit first? Livi? Oh you probably loved it! ... Oh you meant when it was in Tillet?! Just kidding, you probably hated it!
Let's talk about the first time you took the wrong bus or even just had the doors closed on you and it made you late for class. Or how about let's talk about how many times you were late for class, or just straight up didn't go!
Rutgers is getting a make-over. This past summer, so many new buildings were built. Remember when the Livingston Apartments were new? Man, they're a work of art, right? But, the real gems are those dorms. The weird rooms in the weird, old, possibly creepy, buildings that hold a special place in your heart because you know deep down through your freshman eyes they were your first home away from home, tucked away keeping all the secrets of your college adventures.
Can you even count how many "What's your major?" conversations you've had to randoms that you meet across campus? And I guarantee you 99% of those people we more than likely never saw again, simply because Rutgers is too damn big!
Let's talk about the roommates who was your built in new best friend. The ones who quickly learn your annoying habits and who've probably seen you naked but, they still love you anyway!
And then there's those roommates who drove you insane. I can't tell you how many horror stories scared people into avoiding the random roommate situation at all costs.
The late-night chill sessions with people in your dorm lounges, countless drunk bus rides, deciding how to deck yourself out in Rutgers gear for football games, Rutgers Halloween, bed races, Dance Marathon, the list of shared Rutgers memories goes on and on!
Grease trucks?! The REAL grease trucks?! Do you remember your first time eating there? Isn't it wild that current students won't know what that was like?
Everyone knows the sinking feeling when an exam single-handedly annihilates everyone's grades or when a curve miraculously saves you all. Or the blanket sympathy we give everyone we meet who takes orgo, or if you're an RBS student, the cringe we share for managerial accounting.
Most of our first AND last frat parties was at Rutgers. Possibly the home of our first bar hop as well. We all remember the low roar we hear on weekend nights outside College Ave of RU students blowing off steam. It's all still so vivid to me, as I'm sure it's vivid to all other Rutgers alum.
But, to current students:
Welcome to Rutgers. Or if you're not a freshman anymore, welcome back. Welcome back to the school that gave me a whole new outlook on anything I come across that's scarlet or a color close to it. Welcome back to the whole that unites thousands of NJ and even non-NJ residents over decades. Welcome to the place where we've all spent our first years of independence, our rapidly evolving pride and joy.
My single hope for all current and future students is that you live fiercely in these four years for us, like us.
When you're at a football or basketball game, cheer louder, and know that that stadium echoes years of students who have screamed their lungs out to push our fellow students towards glory.
Go ahead, stay up longer. Greet the all-nighter like an old friend and know that it makes a couple points difference on the exam and no matter how you feel in the moment, it'll pay off later. We know how much it hurts!
Try out for that club you've been too shy to join and if you haven't found that club, know that there is definitely one out there for you. Stay at the party for a little longer, even if you think it's lame, cause Rutgers nightlife rarely disappoints. Don't wait to ask that gorgeous girl or guy in your dorm for their name, because they might've noticed you, too.
Please push harder than we did, be better than we were. Crush the high standards we set. Because as we look back on our days and wish to relive them here, there's no going back. And I'd love it if you'd let us relive it vicariously through you!
But most importantly, be proud. Be proud you're part of such a richly diverse community. Take advantage of every resource they give you. We want to see you succeed more than anything because we'll have more and more to be proud of as well!
This place will both exhilarate you and challenge you. And no matter what you feel, we've felt it too. You are not alone. Rutgers is a loving community, a house of aggressive athletics and distinguished arts, a thriving social hub. Once a Scarlet Knight, always a Scarlet Knight.
Keep this in mind. And maybe when you graduate, you'll be sharing this too and be able to read it from the other side.
Just know that as big of a part of your life that Rutgers will be, in turn, you are a part of its life as well. Do it justice.
