With May coming around the corner, talk of graduation is constantly circulating amongst seniors. Some covering their ears and shouting "I can't hear you, I'm still a freshman", and others ready to leave, I have to say that I am in between. I have immense pride in my school. For me, college has been the most important learning experience that I was privileged to have. I met people that I would never have if I didn't come to SHU, I learned new things, changed my major and minors a bunch of time, figured out what I wanted to do with my life, enjoyed the experience of Greek life, being on Student Government, and volunteering in my school community. I learned what it meant to be a Pioneer and what the phrase "heart is where the home is" really means. I would never be where I am today, without the stepping-stones that I had back then, all thanks to SHU and my support system back at home and here.

However, after four years I am ready to implement all the lessons that SHU has taught me and bring it out into the world, and be the embodiment of what a Pioneer is and lead the way. There is so much to see and as a young adult I am excited by the prospect of being able to explore and start my career in my chosen field. I want new experiences, and to meet more people that will continue to shape my life and mentally challenge me. I know that (sadly) my chapter at SHU is closing, however, another chapter of my life is in the works of being written. I’m excited for those pages to be filled with just as many laughs, memories, experiences, adventures, and learning opportunities as possible.

In summary, it is okay to be ready to grow, and everyone has to leave the comfort of the nest at some point. It is all part of “adulting” as we call it. Just one piece of advice for everyone, no matter what the experience was that you had/ have always remember it is okay to re-read them sometimes. No matter what way you swing it, those pages are what made you, you. Be proud of your beginnings, because they are the baseline for where you are now.