When I first graduated from high school, it was bittersweet. I knew that I was going to miss all of my friends (as we all went to different schools), but on the upside, I was excited about the new chapter in the book of life called college. I was ready to pick things out for my apartment on-campus. I was ready to experience clubs, social events and student life. I felt like I was ready to have a taste of what it’s like to be “on your own” and make decisions. Before I say, “Hello Real World!”, there are five things that I am really going to miss about being in college.

1. I am going to miss the cafeteria.

Yes, I said it. I thoroughly enjoyed having the cafeteria and the Lex within walking distance from my apartment on campus. I loved that you only needed to swipe one time in the cafeteria and then it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet for you! I know that in the real world, it’s not always like that. Even though I learned how to cook a few meals over the winter break, I am going to miss the convenience of the cafeteria.

2. I am going to miss my roommates.

I truly believe that at the beginning of freshman year, it was God who put us together. I couldn’t ask for better, smarter, wittier roommates. I know that in the real world, I will be able to make connections with other people in terms of an apartment, but I will miss all the fun memories (and faces!) of my college roommates. I am going to miss all the funny stories about how our day went. I am going to miss the times we cried together and encouraged each other in stressful times. Like Grease said, ‘We go together like rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong.”

3. I am going to miss the community atmosphere.

Once I stepped foot onto campus, I knew that it could be a home away from home. I remember when I moved in for the first time, I noticed the upperclassmen willing to help my family out with all the stuff I packed (and it was a lot!). It gave me the sense of, “We take care of each other here.” I will always be grateful for the welcoming community.

4. I am going to miss the concerts and open-mic nights.

I loved that with each concert, it was always a different band performing songs in a different genre. Now, some of the bands I had never heard of, but for me, it was great exposure to new music. With the open mic nights, I am going to miss the comedy routines that participants used to do. I am also going to miss whenever a singer would get on stage and blow the audience away with their voice. Those were some good times and fun memories.

5. Lastly, I am going to miss the life-long friends I've made at Union.

Now, I know that we will probably keep in touch through FaceTime, Facebook, and other social media. I just mean that it’s going to be different having the friends in another state, and for four years, they were just walking-distance from you. The friends I have made at Union have not only helped me grow spiritually, but also challenged and encouraged me in my academics. I will always be grateful for them.