I knew that when I accepted this position at the Clarion there would be at least one “I’m a graduating senior” story. I thought I could avoid it, but this week I have reflected on a few things and the story became necessary, if for no other reason than reflection. This could be of interest to all: seniors can reflect and underclassmen can listen attentively.

Four years pass by very quickly. Being a month and a half away from graduation, I have spent the past few weeks participating and anticipating in end-of-the-year events such as luncheons, dinners and various ceremonies–all of which signal the coming of summer and a break from papers and reading.

In the past it has been a wonderful time of anticipation. But this year is different.

Although the longest break from papers and reading I have ever had is fast approaching, it is not without at least some cost.

There are the small things which became staples every year. For those of us living on or near campus, we will let go of the convenience we enjoy of living within walking distance to school, activities, friends and for some, work. Gone will be the ease of sharing the same phone prefix and common email format of first initial, last name and du.edu. No more will each of us anticipate the seventh week of the quarter to find out how early we register for classes, for a new quarter that will surely be better than the one past (they never are). And we will leave behind an academic world allowing us access to thinking minds and formal instruction.

I will also miss the common language that permiates our daily interaction. “Meet me on the bridge,” “in DCB commons,” or “next to that statue in the Humanities Garden.” What is that statue of anyway?

Not to mention the world of acronyms we leave behind. Our days in SOCS classes near the old GCB lawn will end, we will never meet in the SIC and then return after a long day of classes to JMac.

College provides a nice safety net that allows each of us too experiment in thought and action without the potentially disastrous affects of the “real world.” We may try and try again, each time knowing there are experienced hands to help us get up if we fall and to pat us on the back when we succeed.

The good part is that although we are leaving an adventure that will forever be a significant part in our life, there is a whole new one waiting to be taken on, and our time in this journey will only improve the quality of the next.