No sooner did the clock strike midnight on the night before class did I see texts and tweets from seniors that read, ‘This is my last first day of school.’ This is a moment in time when we seniors stop and think, where did time go? Not only is it a time to reflect on our last three and a half years at a university, but also a time to gear up for whatever the future holds. But we can’t be certain about what the future holds. We have today and only today. So seniors take a minute and ask, “What have I done today?”
The time has finally come, class of 2015, that in just a few months we will be walking across a stage in our cap and gown. But before we do, why don’t we take advantage of all the great things that Monmouth has to offer us and really enjoy the moments spent on campus. And though it makes us sad to think these years have gone by so fast, we still have 104 days until we really have to throw in the towel and say, thanks for the memories.
Whether it be dilly-dallying in the Student Center or sitting in your car in the parking lot, we all have moments in between classes that are free from obligation. Ranging anywhere from 15 minutes to four hours, free time should most definitely be used to our advantage. Remember all of those friends from freshman year you promised you’d keep in touch with? Give them a ring! And yes, I’m talking about a phone call.
Catching up with an old friend just might make your day a little bit brighter. Having the audacity to reach out to someone is both empowering and emotionally fulfilling. Speaking with someone who you don’t converse with daily is an easy way to take your mind elsewhere for a while. By allowing yourself to focus solely on one person, you’ll strengthen a connection between you and your long lost friend.
You may also put a smile on a face by constructing a hand-written note. I’ve found that only on occasion do people typically receive a note or letter not typed and sent from an electronic device. From personal experience, mailing or delivering a hand-written note turns out to be a deep and connecting experience. Not only are you taking the time to write out your thoughts, but you’re also allowing another person to see physically what you’re feeling through handwriting.
It will come as a surprise to the person you’ve written to and maybe even a surprise to yourself. Don’t deny the thoughts you’ve had about friends, family, and professors. Don’t just think about others, express to those individuals. Let them know how much you appreciate them and value time spent together. Imagine how elated you’ll feel to receive mail addressed to your name in return, an envelope containing something other than a tuition bill.
But let’s not neglect the people who have been friends of ours all along, our professors. Now that you’ve spent a lot of time delving into classes strictly related to your major, there is probably a professor or two whom you find to be pretty great. If you’ve completed required work and simply attended class with a smile on your face, there is a pretty good chance that one of these professors enjoys sharing knowledge with you.
So don’t waste any time, stop by your favorite professor’s office and stay for a while. Express thoughts, ideas, aspirations, and feelings to those who are there to listen. Words are often unspoken, so converse and draw inspiration from the wise before it’s too late. Sending an email after graduation may be silly, for those have the potential to get lost in cyberspace waiting months for a response.
“I never use to go to my professors office hours until this year and it is something I wish I took advantage of earlier,” said Danielle Walsh, a senior social work major. “It has definitely helped me appreciate Monmouth more.”
Gaining inspiration from others is without a doubt rewarding. But use all moments of free time and try inspiring yourself. Learn to draw from within and really discover what makes you happy in life. It may just be a matter of trial and error before you find what your heart really aches with passion for.
Dan Robinson, a senior software engineering major, recently discovered a love he never knew he had. While practicing piano for the past few years, he never thought about performing in front of an audience. Thinking back on his college days, he admits he never took the time to impress others with his music. “Freshman year I wouldn’t play music for anyone and now I play all the time…I picked up guitar and singing since then and I love it,” Robinson said. “I can’t stop.”
Alyssa Bifano, a senior graphic design major, explained, “I’ve realized that college is about learning, but learning much more than your major, [it is] learning about yourself, your relationships with others, and all the little things that shape you into a fully functioning adult.”
With these suggestions, allow yourself to be proud of everything you’ve accomplished in the past few years. Being a student is a full time job that doesn’t allot enough time for a sincere pat on the back.
Mary Ann Nagy, Vice President of Monmouth University, noted, “Going to college is a privilege that only 1 percent or so of the world’s population will complete. There is a great sense of accomplishment in completing a degree and students should focus on that and be quite proud.”
So, my fellow classmates, what will you choose to do with your 104 days left?
IMAGE TAKEN by Olivia Caruso
