They say that college is the best four years of your life. While that statement may not be the case for everyone, I can honestly say it's been the case for me. I remember arriving at Southwestern University as a bewildered high school senior, making the trek from my native hometown of Laredo to attend Admitted Students' Day. My first impression of Southwestern was not as fond as the feelings I've developed for it now. It is here that I've prepared for the rest of my life. It is here that I've learned the power of hard work; where I've both great and not-so-great decisions, but most importantly, it is here where I've made the most incredible kind of friendships. It's incredibly bittersweet to leave the place I've called home for all this time—a place I've always been able to count on to pick me up in the most surprising of ways. If these have been the best four years of your life, I know you feel me; if they haven't, get excited because the best years of your life are still yet to come.
Enough with the sentimentalities — I'll be doing enough crying after graduation. With the date quickly approaching, I've asked myself time and time again how to write Southwestern a love letter of gratitude for how Gucci it has been to me. Of course, because it's Southwestern, my one condition before doing so was to make this love letter unconventional AF. As a fan of tradition, twists, and bucket lists alike, I've devised a checklist of things to do before graduating. Be advised, these tasks are not for the weak of heart. Each task requires an incredible level of determination, focus, and the bravery of a hood rat. Join me in paying homage to the greatest university on earth. Southwestern, I'll love you always.
xoxo,
Abe
1. Shotgun a Beer on the Southwestern Seal
Ahh shotgunning, the great American pastime. What better way to solidify your Senior status than by breaking one of SU's oldest traditions? Step on that seal! Drink up! You did it! Now repeat.
2. Twerk on Monstrance
Come finals week, we can expect to see a plethora of sacrifices made to Monstrance in hopes of acing (or simply passing) exams. However, if you're really in need of some Monstrance magic, try a classic legs up/head down twerking approach. Playing Rihanna's "Work" is optional, but highly suggested.
3. Stargaze on the FAB Roof
Time to be sneaky. Find yourself a Fabbie (student in a fine arts program) and have them take you up the super secret path to the FAB roof. The cover of night will be your best friend. Have someone on lookout should SUPD come along to rain on the parade. Look at the stars, look how they shine for you.
4. Play Beer Pong in a Library Study Room
Time to be sneaky pt. 2: get all your BP essentials packed up and head to a Smith Library study room. Keep heed though for the super sweet "May I see your pirate card" lady. May the best seniors win.
5. Take a Selfie with Ms. Ella
As the unofficial mascot of Southwestern, pictured on the left, there has never been a time where I've been weary to cross paths with Ms. Ella. Truly an angel, snag a selfie with her. Whenever you feel down in the real world, take a look at it and remember it's only a few more days until Friday. Yayo!
6. Joust on Pirate Bikes
For the athletic portion of this list, you'll need nothing but two people, two pool noodles, and of course, two pirate bikes. Start at opposite sides, pedal to the medal, and joust!
7. Death Metal Yoga on the Mall
Audacity is the name of the game here. Get your yoga mat, Iron Maiden t-shirt, and portable speakers. Head to the mall at a busy time during the day—let's say noon? Blast that death metal for a hardcore dose of namaste.
8. Contemplate Life Perched on Story Tree's Branches
As a true Southwestern landmark, what better place than to reflect on the past 4 years than at the fabled Story Tree by the athletic fields. Spend Senior Week reading a good book under the rays of the sun, or you can always just nap the day away.
9. Play a Game of Tag in the Cemetery Behind Campus
There's nothing quite exhilarating as perusing the cemetery late at night. Wrangle up everyone you know for an intense game of tag. The eerie glow of campus in the distance adds to a perfect moment of oopy spoopy fun.
10. Go for a Swim in Brown Fountain at Sunrise (Clothing Optional)
Another age-old tradition with a twist, take the ever elusive dip into Brown fountain letting the water wash away your sins of registered parties past, or to just swim. Do this at sunrise for a completely unparalleled experience—campus appears deserted, the colors of the sky become intoxicating, and you have one more thing to add to your "Cool things I did at Southwestern" list.
11. Movie Screening in Olin
Gather your homiest of homies and venture to Olin — snag one of the huge lecture halls and create your own cinema. Bring your finest blankets, snacks, and refreshments as you reclaim what it really means to Netflix and chill (yes, I mean chill).
12. Walk Around Campus One More Time with Snackage from The Cove
Where would we be without the deep-fried treasures of The Cove? Whatever you fancy, get that to-go box and take a walk around campus. Remind yourself of the memories you've made, the lessons you've learned, and say hello to someone you know along the way (stop hiding behind your phone, I see you). We may never know what the future may bring, but we will know that because of our past at Southwestern, we're going to be alright.
