Four years ago, we stepped on campus filled with nerves and excitement for what everyone says to be the best four years of our lives. We were entering into this little bubble where opportunities were endless. But someone tell me how that was four years ago because I’m pretty sure it was like yesterday.
The best four years of my life? How about the fastest?
But in these four years, I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve could ever ask for, experienced some of the most unreal and laughable moments in my life and grown into a person I can be proud of. My question to you is: have you? The clock is ticking down and soon enough we’ll be in that cap and gown walking across the stage and before that happens, have you done everything you can to embrace this place you’ve called home?
1. Take a walk around campus alone.
Take an hour, or two, and just walk around and embrace the place you’ve been wandering around for the past four years, go to your favorite academic building, grab a coffee and sit out the student center or visit your favorite study spot. Just embrace your surroundings.
2. Get together with your study abroad friends.
These people traveled the world with you and they're the only ones who truly understand the experience and let’s be honest, your other friends are getting sick of hearing that same story about that “one club you always went to" or “we always used to that in (insert country)” reference. Get together and have one last abroad binge.
3. Say thank you to a professor.
Sometimes we forget we actually go to college for classes. But everyone has that one professor that gave you that “ah-ha” moment. Their class inspired a thought or a dream of what you want to do with the rest of your life. Just say thank you.
4. Skip studying to hang out with your friends.
Yes, school is important but these are the last days that you’ll all be in at the same place at the same time, embrace it. You have a test tomorrow but your friends are going to the bar? Make some flash cards and bring them with you. Take some pictures of your study guide and pull them up while your waiting for your drinks. Or skip it all and go to the bar and enjoy yourself.
5. Do a keg stand
Every college movie says kegs stands are the cool thing to do. So be cool. Make sure you do one before you graduate.
6. Visit your freshmen year hangout.
Go back to where it all began, where some of the best (or worst) friendships started, where you may have got a little too drunk for the first time or where you discovered your love-hate relationship with Fireball whiskey. Go back just for a second and realize where you started and where you are now.
7. Jump in a fountain.
Every school has one, or for my school’s case, we have too many. And let’s be honest, you’ve always wanted to.
8. Visit your old dorm rooms.
You spent each year in a new room, with new roommates and hallmates. Each year had new memories and new stories. Relive some of those by swinging by the places you literally called home over the past couple years.
9. Have that life chat with “that one friend.”
There’s always one friend. That one friend who had been there since day one, but stayed in the background. That one friend who you would get lunch with or grab coffee maybe once a week. They weren’t necessarily part of you friend group, but they were always there for you when you needed a break from your regular crew or just needed a shoulder to cry on. Just remember to tell them how much you appreciate them.
10. Say thank you to your parents.
Last but definitely not least, thank your parents. If it weren’t for you, you may not even have been at this place. It’s because of them-- you were able to learn and grow into the person you are today.
The “g-word” day is coming soon and make sure you don’t have any regrets, not even one letter.
