Everyone who attends West Virginia University (WVU) knows the words to "Take Me Home, Country Roads," by John Denver. In fact, us mountaineers enjoy singing it at every sporting event we win, at random times whenever it comes on and we sing our final goodbye to WVU by singing this song at graduation.
"Country roads, take me home to the place I belong. West Virginia, mountain mamma, take me home, country roads."
The lyrics will always remind us of our time spent at WVU: the countless hours spent sitting in a lecture hall learning, the late nights spent in the library or downtown on the weekend with friends, every football, basketball or WVU sport-related event that you've ever been to and the first years spent in Dadisman, Arnold (RIP), Towers or any of the other dorms on campus.
But, now this song has also brought a (temporary) end to your time at WVU - aka graduation. After you walked across that stage, received your hug and your diploma and were able to move your tassel to the left, the familiar voice of John Denver's song ended it all. Arm in arm with the graduates standing next to you, you belted out your heart to "Take Me Home, Country Roads," and reminisced on all the memories you made over the past four years. It may have gotten you completely emotional, which is understandable, but there is no better way that you could've ended your graduation ceremony.
No longer a student. No more tests, quizzes and lectures. No more frantically trying to register for classes before everyone else. No more finals or finals week. No more swiping your ID to get on the PRT. While doing all these things may be the last time for you as a graduate, it's not a goodbye. As graduates, we are simply saying, "See you later" to the university that has shaped us.
We are now able to come back as alumni to show our future kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews the university that is so dear to our hearts. Some of your relatives may even attend WVU in the future, and you'll be able to share stories to see how WVU has changed since you were a student. There may be many things that change, but the attitude of every Mountaineer will remain the same. The response to "Let's Go" will always be, "Mountaineers," and you can be sure that when you visit in the future, you will encounter a student or fellow alumni who will start this chant off and finish it with you. Your blood will always bleed gold and blue, and you'll continue to wear the flying WV with pride, respect, excitement and happiness. You'll befriend fellow Mountaineers no matter where your journey takes you, and your heart will still leap with excitement whenever you see the flying WV on someone's car, hat, shirt or anything else.
For now West Virginia University graduates, it's time to say "See you later" to the university that has given you so much - including the diploma that is in your hands. Say see you later to the campus, the atmosphere, the memories made here and the happiness that it brought you, but never let those things go. We all know that country roads will be leading us back to WVU sooner than we think, and don't forget to take that Mountaineer spirit with you no matter where you go.
Cheers to you, graduate!
