One of the best feelings all summer is the overwhelming rush at the thought of returning back to school. I look forward to reunions with my best friends, weekend excursions, new exciting classes and all the potential adventures. Yet this year, while dwelling on this excitement, I realized something – this is my last year to relish these experiences. No longer will I have excitement for the annual reunion in September. Instead, I will be a productive member of society. While graduate school may mimic this same “reunion rush,” it will not be built upon the same relationships and experiences.
With the approach of senior year, I am overwhelmed with memories of incidents that would only fit in the undergraduate era. Three previous years of 3 a.m. Wilder indoor Slip’N’Slide, Chinese food on D-Day, ridiculous Halloween costumes and many other absurdities linger as notable college occurrences. Likewise, the relationships formed in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of a small university are irreplaceable. The friends who instigate Slip’N’Slide night, who call at 9 a.m. to make sure I’m up and heading to class on Friday morning after a long Thursday night, and those who bring chocolate covered pretzels and almonds to the library are the ones who create an enjoyable and exciting college experience.
While reminiscing, my excitement for senior year increases. However, I cannot help but feel slightly jealous of the freshmen. They are clueless as to what the next four years holds for them, the potential adventures and relationships. They have merely stumbled into a grand odyssey. For both the freshman and senior classes, this year holds the most significant memories – firsts and lasts – and both are equally exciting.
Ricketts can be reached at aricketts@campustimes.org.
