College Graduation Day
May 22nd, 2020
Elon, North Carolina
I would like to start with two lyrics from the song “This” by Darius Rucker. He says, “Thank god for all I missed, cause it led me here to this. I didn’t understand it way back when, but sitting here right now it all makes perfect sense”
Something I have learned throughout my college experience is that we don’t have to take life too seriously. Things are going to happen to us that we don’t expect, anticipate, or necessarily want. We may not know how to deal with it, but that is life. There have been many unexpected moments in our lives and moments one may say they are not proud of. But no matter what, I try to not use the word regret. Instead I choose to switch my focus and use these experiences as a time to reflect, learn, and grow.
Some people say that everything happens for a reason. And while I don’t necessarily find this to be true, I do believe that you can find a reason for everything happening. One instance of this that has stood out to me happened sophomore year. I applied for the New Zealand J-Term study abroad course and wanted to go so badly. When I wasn’t chosen, I was super upset especially because all three of my roommates would be abroad so I would be living alone. But, looking back — this may have been the best case scenario. Instead of going abroad, I took an I/O psychology class that ultimately led me to applying for Campus Recreation’s hiring committee which allowed me to find my passion for recruiting. Also, it allowed me to not only go to New Zealand the next year but Australia as well which happened to be the absolute best month of my entire life.
Now, when something doesn’t go the way I planned I have faith that whether it be in a few days, a few months, or even a few years, I find something to be grateful for in the outcome and realize how many opportunities came about that wouldn’t have originally happened.
Just like what we are going through now, we can choose to dwell over the fact that our senior year did not turn out the way that we planned or we can make the most of what we do have. While I may not be able to say my proper goodbyes or live through the experiences we looked forward to and greatly deserved, I am thankful that I am even still on campus and living with some of my best friends which is something many people cannot say.
To the people that I have spent the remainder of my senior year with, I am grateful for you. Thank you for adopting the “say yes” mentality. After realizing how many things we took for granted we understand that you never know when something is going to be your last. So we must say yes and do it now, while we can.
I have learned so much from each of you: Kelly — you’re motivation to chase your goals in the future. Sarah — your ability to balance a hard work-ethic and having fun. Taylor — your commitment to being your very best and Erin — your “Speak it into existence” mentality. And, to everyone else that I was blessed to spend the last 4 years with, I will cherish our memories and learn from each and every person.
We have had our fair share of stress, bad days, heartbreak, and disappointment — we all got
through it together. And while I choose to learn from this, I also choose to remember the good. From living with the same 4 girls all 4 years, to our dedication to Saturdays, to jamming to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, to finding Erin’s IDs in the freezer, to watching the Lizzie Mcguire movie in Rome, to this make-shift graduation ceremony and everything in between. Not everything went as planned but everything went the way it was supposed to. I am beyond grateful for my experiences and that is due to the people who were around me. So, thank you.
As I finish I would like to include one more line from Darius Rucker that says “Maybe it didn’t turn out like I planned. Maybe that’s why I’m such a lucky [wo]man.”
