It’s senior year of college? Already??? SHOOT. Where did the time go? Wasn’t I just at Freshman Orientation? I knew this time was coming, but it is just now hitting me that the supposed “greatest four years of my life” are about to come to a close in May. Seniors, there is nothing I can say to make this truth any easier, so here are a few suggestions to help you make the most of your last year:
Go to everything.
Dinner on the Dirt, Homecoming and Spring Fling are just a few examples. Just get involved! This is the last time you will get to attend these things. Also, there is usually free food at campus events, so that right there is an extra reason to go.
Explore Birmingham as much as possible.
Birmingham is such a cool city, and there is so much to do. Go up to the Vulcan, hike one of the many parks or try the awesome restaurants downtown. You may be moving elsewhere after graduation, so take advantage of this city while you can.
Stay at Samford as many weekends as possible.
Obviously, a few road trips now and then would be fine, but this may be the only time that you and your friends are living in the same place. Soak up every minute you have left at Samford and in Birmingham.
Actually go to football games.
Yeah I know, it gets hot outside or there is an Alabama game on at the same time. But this is your school, so this is your team. Maybe even just go to support the football player you have in one of your classes or to watch the dance team and cheerleaders perform. If you really just cannot deal with sitting through a football game, go to a different sporting event. Samford has 17 NCAA sports teams filled with awesome people. Support your school and your classmates.
Finish all the typical Samford bucket list items.
Go swimming in the fountain, climb Reid Chapel, take a selfie with the Westmorelands, etc. You know what list I’m talking about.
Get a ring by spring.
…Totally kidding.
Go to class.
Unless you’re going to grad school, this may be the last year you will ever have to take a class. You may find that you ACTUALLY learn more when you attend. Crazy.
Also you’re paying way too much to skip class.
Show appreciation for your professors.
Pick a professor who made a difference in your life these past four years and write a letter thanking them for their investment. Maybe even pick more than one. We have encountered so many teachers during our Samford career who have taught us more than we could have ever imagined. Share with them how much they have meant to you.
Invest in the freshmen.
They are the future of our university. Let’s make sure we’re leaving it in good hands.
Create new memories with your friends.
Like I said before, you may never be living in the same place as your friends once you have graduated. Go out and try new things with them. Make the most of the time you have left together.
We have been so blessed to have the opportunity to graduate from such a wonderful university. Do not coast through this year. Once we are out in the real world doing adult things, we will look back and wish we had not taken these college years for granted. So, starting Aug. 17, let’s make this year the best one yet. Good luck, seniors!
