Lessons learned and never to be forgotten ? that is my four years at UR. To my peers who stand as graduates today, most of you will relate to the following. But to all underclassmen, only time will tell and you will understand. A little bit more of a transition.
Cherish the small things, those little moments that make you smile and make you cry. Take just a few extra minutes out of your day to say more than just a casual hi as you hurry past your friends to class, to work or to lead your busy life. Give your friends a hug or two ? believe me, it will make both of you feel a lot better.
Take your time to say thanks and to all those who have helped you along the way at UR ? your friends, your family, but most importantly your professors.
Focus on making the best of what you have and what is offered to you. You will realize that the taste is much sweeter than you could imagine. I am glad I did what I did at UR and I wouldn’t have done it any other way.
Refuse to accept a situation as default. Always question and speak up for what you believe should be right. If you don’t stand up for your thoughts, no one will.
Believe in yourself and what you can achieve. This university is filled with a plethora of diverse talent and ingenuity ? you are one of the reasons why.
Always remember to give it your all, to others, but especially to yourself. A little TLC goes a long way.
Support and cheer for UR athletes. I did and it has taught me to enjoy competition once again. Being a Yellowjacket sports fan helped create in me a newfound sense of university pride that unfortunately many non-athletes miss ? a sense of teamwork and a hunger to succeed unlike any other.
Give Greek life a try. The UR Greek experience is one that has touched me in indescribable ways and my sisters are a major reason why. On a personal note, to my sisters at Alpha Phi ? thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
It is always easy to complain. I admit I have contributed my fair share during my years at UR. But the passion that has been instilled in me is deep-seated and I will forever carry with me a sense of Meliora.
I hope as you go on today with your life, when you wave farewell to UR and the Genessee, you will realize the same and never let go of the life’s lessons you learned during the past four years.
Wu can be reached at jwu@campustimes.org.
