Time is a funny thing. There isn’t a lot of it and it goes by so quickly you barely get a chance to enjoy it. This year has flown by. It seems like only yesterday was move-in day and now it’s getting to be that time to buckle down and actually do some work. For all Geneseo students, whether you are graduating or just enduring another round of finals, I have one last thing to say before the year is over: Enjoy your last couple of weeks here.
College goes by so fast and, believe it or not, once you get into the real world and the veil lifts, you’ll wish you could come back. I know it can be hard – especially with finals rolling around – to sit back and just take it all in, but try and find the time to reflect on this year.
Look at everything you have accomplished, the troubles you have pushed through and the people you have met. Everything you have done in these past two semesters has helped you grow in some way. Even if it is something you regret, it has taught you something about yourself and that is something that you should be proud of. Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone learns from them. Allowing yourself to recognize the mistake that you made and grow from it is something you should be happy about.
Whether you did well or flunked every class, try to finish this year as strong as possible. Learn what helps you for next semester, and enjoy being on campus while you can. Before you know it you’ll be home listening to your mother nag about your messy room, or worse – you might even have a job.
For all of you seniors out there, allow me to extend my congratulations. Graduating from college is hard and not many people do it. Enjoy your last couple of weeks as a student, but also don’t hold yourself back. Yes, going out into the world can be nerve-wracking. Living on your own, getting a job and dealing with people who aren’t around your age can all be scary to somebody who only just began drinking alcohol legally. The trick is to not be scared, but excited.
Instead of fearing the unknown, get excited about all of the new things you will get to do. Maybe you want to take a year off and travel the world, or maybe you are moving to the city and renting an apartment with friends. Whatever your plans are for the upcoming year, get excited about it. Even if you don’t have any concrete plans, get excited about making some. This is all part of growing up.
In the end, everyone should take time to take a step back and breathe. Don’t rush through life with your head down; walk with your head held high, taking in all the sights and sounds.
My final words for this semester? Life is like a camera; focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives and if things don’t work out, take another shot.