During this last week of the 2011-2012 school year, it’s hard to focus on anything but final exams. Every time I put the books down, though, reality hits. It’s the end of the year and everything is about to change. Campus is emptying as more and more people finish their exams and seniors are graduating, many of them moving to different cities. The feeling is bittersweet.
Each time I find myself getting that sinking feeling, for some reason the first thing that pops into my head is the quote from Maya Angelou on the construction fence in front of Buddig. The quote reads “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” Obviously I can’t change the fact that some of my friends are graduating and that I won’t see them walking around campus on a daily basis. So my only choice is to change my attitude. There’s no use in moping around and complaining when I can make better use of my time- in this case, spending as much quality time as possible with my friends who are graduating.
They’ve experienced everything that Loyola has to offer, and it’s time for them to move on to the next chapter of their lives.
As for the rest of us at Loyola, I propose that we let graduation serve as a reminder to all of us to squeeze everything we can out of this University. Make the most of every opportunity you are given. Explore New Orleans. Take a class on a subject you know nothing about. Volunteer. Get involved. Cheer on the Wolfpack at an athletic event. Spend every Friday afternoon at the Fly. Go to every Third Friday event. Get to know your professors.
Sometimes it’s easy for us as freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to forget how lucky we are to still be here at Loyola. Don’t come to this realization on graduation day- remind yourself every day of the blessings you’ve been given here at Loyola University New Orleans.
And as for the graduating seniors, congratulations and good luck on all of your future endeavors. Y’all will do great things, and the rest of the Wolfpack will be there to cheer you on.
Remember, it’s not a “goodbye,” it’s just a “see you later!”
