Graduation tends to be a time of trepidation, usually for the seniors who are moving on in the world. It makes sense that graduates are a little uneasy, but excited, for life beyond college and for many, beyond school in general for the first time.
I’m a sophomore in college and I feel the same way. It’s strange: I’ll be staying put for the next couple of years but here I am feeling uncertain about my future in college. Of course, I felt that way coming in and I’m sure I’ll feel that way when it becomes my turn to leave, because it’s natural.
I think the reason why graduation is hitting me so poignantly is because of the people who are leaving and going on to the next stage in their lives. Not that it's upsetting that they're leaving me behind: more that I won’t have them around anymore. The seniors who I have met and built relationships with over the last year have been some of the most amazing people, and the idea of not having them around, or as accessible as I have become accustomed to, is a depressing thought.
I have gained and learned so much from my seniors. I’m not just referring to the lessons that I have learned from each of the people that I have come into contact with on an individual level. Though those lessons definitely should not be overlooked or mitigated in any way. It’s the lesson that I gleaned from all of them, taking the time to make a connection with the “little” people in the school. The openness and willingness they showed in making room in their lives for new friends. That lesson and experience has made all of the difference for me and my overall college experience.
To the Class of 2016, I will miss you desperately as I walk the halls of Stern College for Women next year without you there. I will miss the smiles, high-fives, head nods, and “How are you’s?” that I have become accustomed to receiving in the school cafeteria. I will miss hanging out with you. Most of all, I will miss the amazing experience that is having you in my life every day. Though I know that saying goodbye will be super hard and saddening, there is a silver lining, a light at the end of the tunnel, if you will.
I know that being the extraordinary people you are, you will most definitely impact the world in amazing ways. Yes, I will miss your currently ubiquitous presence in my life but it would be selfish of me to fully lament your moving on. The world deserves to be able to experience you and gain and learn from you in all the ways that I have already had the opportunity to. So with a parting word: I wish you good luck in everything you do and have the utmost confidence that you will only succeed. Go out and conquer your hopes, dreams and the world. To borrow a phrase from a wise senior friend of mine, “Break ‘em.”
