Over the course of my 3 years adventure here at Baylor University, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many members of this year’s senior class. We are so sad to see you leave and sympathize with the amount of nostalgia you are feeling now. I have shared so many memories with you. From Baylor traditions like Sing and Christmas on 5th, to tailgating at Baylor football games, to Common Grounds concerts, to the beloved Shorty’s pizza pillows—these things will not be the same without you. Of course, I’m so excited to see what opportunities the future will bring you. Promise me if you become a raging success or even if you don’t, that you wont forget about me. It should be hard, I am only one year behind you. Only one year away from being pushed out of the nest…no, no. We are talking about you, not me.
Graduation always brings a bittersweet feeling. I am excited that all the hard work is finally paying off for the outgoing seniors. You know that 40% of college students do not make it graduation? Also, 100% of that statistic is unreliable fiction, but sounds about right to me. Regardless of the stats, you have done something that you should be so proud of accomplishing.
During your time here at Baylor, you have been present for such impressionable moments such as the closing out of Floyd Casey and the inauguration of McLane Stadium. You have suffered though 8 rounds of finals, 4 Spring Break trips and roughly 30 Scruffy Murphy karaoke nights (if it is a little more than that, no judgment). Now you are on your way out and you will welcome our first female president. These moments are only the tip of the iceberg when attempting to generalize your unique stories that you have written during you time here at Baylor. Even though you have made the experiences that you will carry with you for the rest of your life, I will miss the personal moments spent with every one of my senior friends—like being sick and having a member of your class go on a Nyquil run for me, coffee dates so sweet that they last longer than usual, exploring new places with you on Baylor’s study abroad program, road tripping when we need a small break from Waco, study sessions in Club Moody, and the knowledge and advice shared with me.
I have had the pleasure of meeting so many of you and hate the idea of seeing you leave, yet I know you are bound to accomplish so many great things with the knowledge that Baylor has equipped you with, and you are destined to represent Baylor in a positive way. All I ask is you look fondly on the time spent here at Baylor and cherish the relationships you have made throughout the years. Take comfort in the fact that the incoming senior class is excited and prepared to pick up where you left off. Also, and most importantly, don’t forget about me when you are a raging success.
Best Wishes,
Audrey Willis
