Bittersweet Goodbyes
The tents are out, the chairs are lined up, and the moving trucks have an increasingly large presence on campus. Yup, it’s already time for the end of the semester. Some students are done and long gone as they commence their summer plans. I, however, will be here until the end–I have a final waiting for me at 3pm on Thursday. And then it’s freedom!
You may be wondering what I mean by tents and chairs. Well, our commencement takes place right here on campus with our beautiful landscape as its backdrop. Not only does alumni lawn transform for commencement–which is where our undergraduate students actually BECOME alumni as they walk across the stage–but so does every other large piece of green field we have on campus. Commencement for our undergraduates and graduate students is rightfully a big deal on campus. It signifies many years of hard work, unforgettable memories, and growth and maturity (or lack of youth, depending on how you want to look at it).
Seeing the chairs and tents is a huge reminder of all of the goodbyes that need to be had in the next few days. I am SO glad I still have one year left to make Vanderbilt memories, but seeing this year’s seniors go off into the real world and be successful is something I am excited about but also really bummed about. I’ll miss them a lot! I hear a lot of them will be returning for Homecoming, and I REALLY hope that’s the case so I can attack them with bear hugs.
The chairs and tents are also reminder that I ONLY have one year left to make my mark on Vanderbilt. My time here has been filled with discovering rewarding friendships, interests, and talents. It’s also been filled with struggles, frustrations, and a few shortcomings–none of which I would trade because they have significantly contributed in my development as an independent adult.
As I finish out this year and think about the year to come, I am filled with pure joy and excitement at the privilege of being able to call this place home for another year. Vanderbilt has by far exceeded my expectations of what a well-rounded college life should be–I get the best of academics, an amazing network of accomplished individuals to call peers, and a dynamic social scene that embraces the Nashville culture and students’ interests. Yes, Vanderbilt has definitely made its mark on me. Here’s to a year to try and return the favor.