As the school year comes to a close and the reality of graduation sets in, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of nostalgia mixed with a tinge of concern, blended with regret. There are so many memories I have of my time here at Purdue, all of which I hope never to forget. It's hard to imagine that just four short years ago this Hawaiian-born native made the decision to come to a world-renowned institution located in Indiana, of all places. My experiences, both good and bad, have helped mold me into the man I am today and have served as lessons that I will carry with me for life. And although I've still never been to Chicago, or spent more than a few hours in Indianapolis, or ridden the Boilermaker Special, or climbed the rock wall at the CoRec, or beaten the world's largest drum, I have no regrets about how I spent my time here at Purdue.
My greatest hope is that during the entirety of my undergrad I have impacted another person's life in a positive way. I know that I would not be where I am today were it not for my brothers, best friends, and the positive role models in my life. It's the 3am conversations after a long day of class, and the traumatic events you may have the misfortune of experiencing that strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and friendship. But it's not just the people you meet who can have an impact while in college. It's the organizations you join and the responsibilities you take on which can also have a profound effect. Getting involved on campus, in your house, or both are things that we should all strive to do. It's these activities that help to improve both your leadership and social skills (skills that you will need later on in life).
Though saying goodbye can be tough, it remains a necessary part of life and at some point we all must do it. Sometimes goodbyes are sad, but in the case of graduation, they should be a cause for celebration. Yes, I'm leaving Purdue but it's only because I have accomplished something truly great that many people aren't fortunate enough to do or even to attempt. I have finished what I came to do and I must accept that now it is my time to go.
As I spent the last night of Grand-Prix inside a packed Harry's Chocolate shop, I was surprised by the sheer number of alumni and college graduates who had come up for the weekend. There was a mixed bag with some having graduated just the year prior, while others had been out of college for as long as ten years. Then it hit me – even though I'll be leaving, graduation isn't the end of the road. There will be plenty of chances to come back and visit with friends. And even though we may be far apart, the connections we made at Purdue will always keep us together.
As this is my final article, I just want to say that I'm glad to have been a part of the Odyssey team. To the graduating seniors, good luck wherever you are headed. It's been a blast and thank you for a great year!
