The Last of the “Lasts”
As I finish my last few weeks of college, there have been a lot of “lasts” occurring for me: my last presentation, my last project, my last class, my last exam. Of course, those all have their own meaning, but they are not the most important part of my last weeks as a college student.
The most important “lasts” are those that involve people. They will stick out in my memory for a long time. My last shift on campus with my friends, my last intramural flag football game, the last time I visit my favorite establishments in Bloomington, the last time my best friends from college will all be together for who-knows-how-long.
My college experience has been incredible and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I spent my four years as best as I could: earning a couple degrees, studying abroad twice, getting involved on campus, and spending as much time as possible with my friends. I definitely had a full experience and I’d like to think I learned a few valuable things along the way.
Of course, I learned plenty of technical skills in college that will serve me well in my career and life. But I think the most important part is everything I learned outside of class. How to be independent, how to live on your own, how to balance work and play, how to step outside your comfort zone, how to make the best out of a bad situation, how to keep your head up.
College taught me how to be an adult. How to fend for yourself but also lean on others when needed. And boy, was it needed. Aside from a pandemic coming along right in the middle of my college career, there were quite a few unique hiccups along the way that made my path very difficult. I relied on the help of my professors, mentors, advisors, parents, and friends to overcome obstacles and came out better for it on the other end. I am grateful for that support.
My last semester has been a bit of a whirlwind but I came to the realization about a month ago that this would all be ending soon. Ever since, I’ve been trying to take advantage of every single day and make the best of it that I can. I’ve reveled in every aspect that makes Indiana University special to me. However, in this time, I’ve come to the realization of what IU really means to me. It’s not just a school. It’s not a group of professors or a set of classes. It’s not just a giant campus or beautiful buildings that make it special. What makes IU special is a mix of everything. The classes, the buildings, the campus, the city of Bloomington. But the most important part of all is the people. Professors, students, advisors, mentors, families. Everything comes together in middle-of-nowhere southern Indiana to create one of the best schools in the world and I’m so glad I got to be a part of it for four years.
My last year, my last semester. Last time walking to class, last time handing in an assignment. Last time eating at my favorite restaurant, last time having a drink at my favorite bar (for a short while, anyway). Countless “lasts” have been flying through my mind these past few weeks. Some are still yet to come. But as I reflect on my four years at Indiana University, I know what will be my final “last.” My last thought: gratitude. Gratitude for friends, family, professors, co-workers, and everyone else that makes Indiana University what it is and made my four years better than I could have even imagined.
Four years ago, I graduated from high school. It was bittersweet but I was ready to move on to bigger and better things. I hope the same can be said now and I will move on to bigger and better things. Unfortunately, I am not ready. I don’t want to have to leave Bloomington, move on to work a job, and enter the big bad world. I know I’m prepared but I still don’t want to do it. IU has given me such an incredible time that I really just don’t want to leave.
But I cannot delay the inevitable. I know that soon it will be time and I will leave IU and Bloomington. I will be back plenty in the future, but at some point soon, there will be the last time that I leave as a student. I don’t know when it will be but I know there will be lots of memories, lots of thoughts, and maybe a few tears. But of course, the last thought will be thanks. Thanks to all the people. Thanks to the school. Thanks to Bloomington. Thank you, Indiana University. It was one hell of a ride. You will be missed.
