Graduation Farewell

Wow. I graduated.

Don’t believe me? Here’s my freakin’ diploma.

It is decided.

I’ve thought a lot about the last four years recently, which I hear is normal for someone graduating college. I also thought about where I should write this post.

In a dorm room? Meh.

In a bar? Cliché.

In front of the student union? I was never there that often anyway.

So I’ve settled on the morning of graduation in my room, drinking a Boulevard, ESPN in the background. And yes I just rolled out of bed.

Well, I suppose it’s time to start getting emotional. Here we go.

I never thought I’d miss college. In fact, I didn’t even want college to start when I first moved into Abel Hall during drumline auditions for the Cornhusker marching band. I knew no one, had no TV and couldn’t figure out the Internet. Needless to say, I spent the vast majority of those first couple days staring at my ceiling or crying.

But I pushed through it, even though I called my parents a bunch of times telling them I didn’t want to. It was different and who in their right mind likes change right away?

But I’m better for it now.

Everything about college changed me.

Marching band helped me appreciate all kinds of music.

Dorm life introduced me to a variety of personalities.

Living in a house taught me responsibility and how to handle freedom.

My fraternity showed me how to act professionally and have fun.

The journalism school gave me the tools to pursue my dream.

Sure, I made mistakes in college. Who doesn’t?

I’ve misspelled a name in a story at the Daily Nebraskan. I’ve cussed on air during Star City News. I’ve drunk too much booze. I’ve broken a few hearts. I’ve had my heart broken. I’ve made a friend mad. I’ve been mad at a friend.

In the end, it’s all a growing experience, as cliché as that sounds. It’s all about learning from those mistakes and becoming better from them. That’s college.

Sure, there are tests and papers and presentations and grades. Of course, those are all important. But I’m not going to remember the B I got in World Religions when I start my job with Channel 8 on Monday.

I’m going to remember late night talks about religion with Jack Thelen freshman year. Or hashing out my girl problems while smoking a cigarette with Tim Kluck. Or bullshitting about the athletic department with Robby Korth. Or hungover Saturday mornings with my class of Phi Kappa Theta brothers.

College goes by fast people, so remember to enjoy it.

Take a study break. Go to church. Say a prayer. Have a beer. Take a shot. Hang out with friends. Step outside your comfort zone.

You’re going to end up missing those nights with your friends; so don’t waste a second with them.

They’ll probably end up teaching you more than that test anyway.