Dear Graduating Seniors,
You made it! Whether these past four years were the best years of your life or you couldn't wait to leave, the time has come! To those seniors I've had the pleasure of getting to know over the past two years, and to those I have never met -- you guys rock! From guiding freshmen during orientation, helping them to find their next class on the first day of school, to giving advice about which classes to take, you've made an impact on the campus community in some way or another.
Wherever you are in your life, right now, if you already have job plans or you are just winging it, It is OK! You still have time! It's how you deal with the transition from college to the "real world" and the attitude you bring to your new endeavors that matters. Try to remain open just like your little freshman self did while trying to meet people during orientation. Use your newfound freedom to find out what really excites you. Experiment with new things. It's never too late. Create a summer bucket list! This might sound cliché but, take all the skills you've learned from your liberal arts education and apply them to your every day life.
Its OK to have bad days and mental breakdowns. It's all a part of life and whether you think it or not, everyone has these days. When I say everyone, I mean literally everyone. That cute guy or girl that used to live down the hall from you. Yes. Your classmate who always seemed prepared, cool, calm and collected. Duh. Your professor who always gave you a hard time for no reason. Absolutely. No matter how perfect one seems on the outside, everyone has their own internal struggles. Its how you react to these instances and learn from these experiences that matter.
Things take time. Still haven't reached your goal? Don't have the dream career you've been planning for after graduation? Feel lame that you are working in a department store over the summer instead of receiving a paid internship at your dream company? Everyone has time to start somewhere. Waiting stinks but as you've learned from taking those dreaded general education requirements, things often take time. Once you finally reach your goal, you realize that your struggles happened for a reason and have ultimately shaped you into the person you are today.
Step aside, people of the world. The 2016 Camels are coming to take the lead. Congratulations to the Class of 2016! You did it!
Sincerely,
A thankful member of the Class of 2018.
