The Senior Column

Since I walked through those doors in Worcester Hall in August 2006, everyone kept telling me the same thing: make the most of your time here.time will go faster than you think. Here we sit, second semester of our senior year and most of us are thinking the same thing, is this it? I can't say that I will miss the classes, especially since I've been suffering from senioritis since junior year, but there is nothing comparable to the friendships you make and the memories we all share. Some people go through college and don't get the full experience of what it's all about, and some hold regrets once they graduate or wish they had more time to get involved in this group or that group. Since freshman year I have been saying "I can't wait to graduate" and as the last couple of months are creeping up on me, it has changed to "I can't believe we're graduating." I am starting to realize even for the girl who couldn't wait to graduate that there is still some fear inside of me towards the unknown. Although I've been involved in a number of groups and activities on campus, have gotten a well-rounded education, and made the best relationships someone could ask for I'm still wondering, is this it?

Assumption has been our safe-haven for the past four years. Regardless of any situation, I've always had my roommates I knew I could count on. These are the people who have shared my tears and laughter, and have encouraged my dreams. Assumption has given me an education where I've had professors who have pushed, pulled, and allowed me to strive for things I didn't even know were within my reach. Being involved in student groups on campus have helped me grow as a person, build strong relationships and become the leader I always thought I could be.

There is absolutely nothing I would change about my college experience, so why am I, along with most of the other seniors, scared to graduate? It's simple. We are merely human beings who are petrified of change. We are used to normal routines and familiar surroundings. Think back to when we were in high school and the college search started. For most of us, it was exciting but the thought of leaving everything behind was terrifying. Well, somehow what you did in high school shaped you into the person that got you to Assumption. Assumption has now shaped you into the person that will help you in the real world.

I think I speak for a majority of us when I say the reason I don't want to graduate is because I am afraid of leaving the place where I was able to find myself, to truly identify who I am and what is important to me. It doesn't matter if you don't know what you want to do when you grown up, just like it didn't matter if you didn't know what you wanted to major in when you were just starting off at college. Life is all about choices, and today, there is an unlimited amount. No wonder why some of us can't figure out what we want to do. If it makes you feel better, even the people that have their entire life plans figured out, still can't get a job. No matter what your situation is, you have to push through the hard times and difficult decisions. Eventually it will pay off. We can't give up.

In the grand scheme of things, we are young. Life is just starting. Assumption College is merely a stepping stone, helping us to grow into a person that people will want to remember. Take graduation as a challenge. Whether you're going to graduate school or finding a job, love what you do. Don't get a job because it will get you a lot of money or someone tells you to do it. Do it because you love it. Do it because you can see yourself in thirty years getting up in the morning and are still excited to start your day.

To me, graduation is the next step towards finding something you love to do and being happy with the life you lead. Be proud of the person you've become. When you find yourself asking "Is this it?" I'm hoping most of us can answer with a smile, "this is only the beginning.