Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2017.

I can hardly believe that I survived the years of struggles, uncertainty, finals, projects, countless papers, writing assignments, tough exams, and innumerable pages of assigned reading (as an English major, this seems to quadruple). Juggling working part time with going to school full time, and attempting to earn a degree, double majoring in English with a Writing Emphasis and Business Administration is difficult, but not impossible.

Many things have got me through these past four years.

Tears. Late nights. Caffeine. Slushy runs. Attending concerts. Ramen. So many photographs. Chinese food. Tallying how many times we wanted to quit college. Sharing my love of dogs and puppies with my roommates (and how all of them let me visit their dogs because I didn’t - and still don’t - have one of my own). Inside jokes. Popcorn. Nicknames for each other. Lounge chats. Procrasti-cleaning - our version of avoiding responsibilities like homework and studying by cleaning our apartment like the almost-real adults that we are. Long heart-to-hearts at night or any time of day. Chocolate - and sour candy for Sarah! Cheesecake. Ice cream. Making Spotify playlists. Extreme ping-pong. Playing tennis when we have no skills whatsoever. Having interesting conversations we never dreamed that we’d have. Going through phases of stupid, time-wasting apps (aka Flappy Bird, Crossy Road, and Steppy Pants). Looking for an adult, only to realize that you ARE an adult, then proceeding to need an adultier adult to assist you. Crafting nights. Mall trips. Painting with roommates. Netflix marathons. Failing at making mac and cheese (yeah I’m still kinda baffled too…). Ordering Jimmy John’s. Walks to Spoonlickers. Games of Taboo. Game nights in general. Doughnuts - most often Krispy Kreme (RIP 28th Street Hot Light). Alcohol. Bar nights. Pizza rolls. Memory foam pillows. Snapchat stupidity. Trains of thought that not only derail, but disappear into another universe. Lack of sleep, and occasionally the all-nighter. The best (maybe actually worst) was bonding over not knowing the way that I have to wear my graduation hood (still looking for that adultier adult, so if you find one, let me know).

All of these things helped me, but more importantly, my friends, especially my roommates, have helped me stay focused and on track. I couldn’t have done it without them by my side. All that stand in my way are final papers and final exams.

I also want to thank my family for encouragement and continued support. I really want to thank my mom tremendously for helping me through college. I wouldn’t be where I am without you. I couldn’t have had any of my successes in life without you. I love you.

I’m sure every college student has family and friends to thank for helping them through college. I want to congratulate every student in the Class of 2017. We’ve made it! Whether you’ve already crossed the stage and turned the tassel or will later this week or in the coming weeks, CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve made it; you survived the hardships, come out stronger, and have learned a lot along the way! You have exciting things to look forward to, whether those things are planned or not. Cheers to the years, and cheers to the future, no matter what it holds!