As my last few remaining weeks at Colgate has finally approached me (albeit my futile efforts to slow down time and deny its inevitable progression), I have begun to seriously reflect on the last four years of my life. In the beginning of the academic year, in my first-ever article for the Odyssey, I wrote that I had done some serious reflection as well, and I had set out for my concluding year at Colgate to be monumental and liberating. I stated that I wanted to "walk on that stage at commencement in May knowing that my college experience was shaped by me, and that’s the real reason why my four years were the happiest and the most memorable ones that I will ever have."
Through this final reflection and sense of nostalgia I am experiencing as my final semester is regrettably coming to a close, I can successfully say that I have reached my goal, My senior year at Colgate University was filled with ever-lasting memories, friendships, adventures and accomplishments that will allow me to walk that stage at commencement in 3+ weeks with the greatest sense of pride and joy. However, before I officially retreat from undergraduate college life and commence my journey into the real world, there are a few final thank you's that I owe to Colgate University. Though the past four years has not lacked its ups and downs, and not all moments were entirely blissfull, Colgate has ultimately helped many of my objectives, grow as a person intellectually and spiritually, and has provided me with friendships and memories that I will forever cherish and never forget. Without further adieu, and in no particular order, I must thank you, Colgate University for:
Helping me find my future bridesmaids and wedding guests
Giving me the most caring and inspirational professors a student could have
Providing me with the ample opportunity to study abroad
Aiding me in becoming fluent in another language
Giving me the most stunning view and perfectly constructed rolling hills I will ever see/inhabit in my lifetime
Teaching me how to write an essay, and a real darn good one
The "Colgate Hello"
Learning how to live and survive in sub-zero temperatures
Time management
The Old Stone Jug
How to adeptly maneuver around in blizzard-like conditions sans injury.
Positive Body Image and loving myself for who I am, flaws and all
My Freshman Seminar and the bond I still have with the members of my first-ever class at Colgate
My lifelong attachment to and adoration for the number 13
Byrne Dairy Chipwiches
The opportunity to meet, interact, and form friendships and bonds with people from all over the world
The diverse set of clubs and on-campus activities
"Yes Means Yes" Seminar
Spring Party Weekend
The opportunity to listen to a plethora of inspiring and extraordinary lecturers including Hilary Clinton, Salman Rushdie, Ron Paul, Rudy Guiliani (just to name a few)
What it truly means to be in a committed and healthy relationship
Learning how to accept all different types of individuals for whom they are as a human-being and not for their race, gender, sexual orientation and identity
Full comprehension of dense literature such as the Bible and those written by Plato and Homer (texts I would have never understood or enjoyed without the Core Cirriculum)
Tollhouse Cookie Pie
WRCU Radio and The Maroon-News
The COVE and the plethora of opportunities to volunteer in the local, domestic and international communities
My Communities and Identities Core Curriculum Course
Coop Chicken Tenders at 2 a.m.
How to be a better friend
The most incredible and supportive alumni network anyone could ever have.
The Outdoor Education Program
Learning how to walk up several flights of stairs and steep hills without completely losing my energy
Taylor Lake and Adam and (St)Eve (at least for a period of time)
Franksgiving
The chance to watch and enjoy Division I Athletics
The potential for a successful future
And most importantly, the best four years of my life. Thank you, Colgate.
