My Assumption Sticker

Published 10 months ago -


By Maggie Buckley, Editor-in-Chief

There is a little paw print sticker in the corner of a door leading into Hagan and everytime I see it, I can’t help but smile.

“That’s my paw print,” I say to myself.

I stuck it there months ago.

It’s survived rain, snow, hail, wind, you name it.  

And it’s still there.

I have seen countless people pass through those doors, perhaps not even noticing it, but if they do, not playing it any heed.

But I notice it. 

I notice it because it’s a piece of me.

I started out at Assumption College as a shy, young girl afraid of talking to anyone.  I had no friends.  I wanted nothing more than to be home.  I was miserable.  

But I stuck it out.  

And sure enough, I grew to call what soon became Assumption University my home.  I took changing courses that knocked me down but taught me to get back up again.  I found a newspaper that allowed me to foster my love of writing.  I had mentors who added meaning to my academic experience and my understanding of the world.  I had friends who added meaning to my life and had people who were just just passing through, there to teach me a lesson.

I survived different storms throughout my college career.  There have been torrential downpours, but there have also been days filled with sunshine.  Ups and downs, bad and good, light and dark, I was here for it all.

Just like that little old sticker.  

Assumption became a part of who I am, whether I wanted it to or not, and now, as I look back on these past four years, I have nothing but gratitude for the experiences I have had here.  It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been meaningful.

And now it’s time for me to go.

But my connection to this place will not just end when I leave campus for the very last time.  I’ve taken far too many philosophy courses to think like that.

Assumption has helped me become the person I am today.  Still shy, but more confident.  Still nervous, but more resilient.  Still quiet, but ready to speak when necessary.

So when I have gone for the very last time, I will hold this place in my heart and I will move forward, knowing that it has given me all it could.  It’s just my time to go now and I think I am ready.  The future may be uncertain, but the past has taught me that that is ok.  Things will work out.  I’ll find my way.  

So, thank you Assumption for helping me find who I am.  Thank you for the in-class lectures and the out-of-class lessons.  Thank you for the people who have been in my life, who have revealed truths I needed to learn. Thank you for being the place where I would find my passion. Thank you for making life hard sometimes so I could later enjoy the sunshine.  

You keep the sticker, I’ll keep the memories.

8 recommended
574 views
bookmark icon