Graduation.
First, high school; then, for most, college, and soon before you know it: college graduation. Years of sleepless nights, long nights studying, tedious classwork, and some great bonds have all led to this. We have had four years to prepare for a life in a world full of the unknown. For many of us, the end is approaching fast. What do we do? Where are we going? Are we going home? Back to school-maybe a different location? Do we even have a job? So many questions with so many options and directions one could take. Some of us are far away from this moment but it is approaching faster than you would think.
College graduation–something I thought was so far away but came quicker than Usain Bolt booking it down the 100-meter stretch to the finish. Quite honestly, I am overwhelmed with the options that lie before me. I have a multitude of paths to take but what are the right ones? It is okay to not know right away what you want to do post-undergraduate. “Just take it one day at a time,” a phrase many of us know. We have so many moments left to take advantage of before we walk the stage. The last few game nights with friends, last few performances, last few athletic competitions… we have to make it count. Those will be memories and stories we can tell others along the path of life.
Although many of us are overwhelmed, there is excitement and pride rushing through us, a sense of accomplishment. The day where you can say “I made it” is almost here. It’s time to show everyone what you did and how much work you put in to make it this far. Be proud, be excited. This is something you’ve looked forward to since freshman orientation. The moment that ignited a fire within you to push forward.
Congrats! The word we will be hearing often if not already. The time will soon be here. The chair set out on the front lawn. The hustle and bustle of families trying to get the best seats. The buzzing of everyone’s conversations in the air. The laughs and reminiscing of graduates as they line up for the ceremony. The music starts and we walk. This is the moment, the moment for us. The time we get to show off and share it with everyone who has been with us on this journey. The sense of pride as you get handed the diploma you’ve longed for since you started your adventure. The doubts you had prior are now gone. The diploma is proof. Until the glorious day arrives, we must continue our studies and make memories. It is hard but, keep pushing. You’re almost there.
Ivy Allen is a senior advertising and public relations major. Ivy serves as the Administrative Assistant for Waynesburg University’s Chapter of PRSSA.
wuprssa 