Almost Graduation!

Graduation is coming.

Perhaps, a day, a month, a year, a decade from graduation, I will regret what I say now. I will miss college, I will turn nostalgic and reminisce on the good old days, because we never know what we’ve got till it’s gone.

Not today though.

The college I’ve been attending for the past 5 semesters is a commuter school, with no dorms, little school spirit, and no “real college experience.” Classes have no windows, so gloom is the key theme. Corridors are baked in a dull cream tone with no decorations. Unlike the smiling faces I encounter when visiting some places, most people look so stressed and bored that they seem to rather be anywhere but there. Most students come only for classes then leave as fast as possible. Conversations revolve around little more than jobs, classes, and internships.

I’d wanted to go to a college where being 23 is considered old.  I’d wanted to be immature and act goofy. I felt robbed of my should-have-been carefree years. I wanted to have fun, which shouldn’t have been that hard.

But I made it out alive, and I’m so proud of myself for it! I'm that much more of a warrior precisely because I didn’t go to a dream school. I struggled and fought at a place where students commit suicide or and are so depressed that the school seals library windows so they can’t jump out. Little do they know if one wants to do something, he will find a way.

After all that, I won.

Good things happened, too. I met a few amazing professors who gave me wonderful guidance and truly believed in me, even when my self-doubt took over. I met superhero students who hold 2 jobs, have a baby and go to class full-time (!). I did some kick-ass extracurricular activities. I met great people, some of which I won’t be in touch with in the future, but I had fun while it last. If you’re reading this, chances are at least once you made me very happy, so thank you!

I remember when I was finally done with high school, I felt as if a million-pound sandbag was lifted off my back. I have to say despite all the negatives, college has been indefinitely many times better. Still, I’m delighted to be done. I did what I needed to do, save a few regrets here and there. I managed to stay happy. I bruised and learned from mistakes. I’m embarrassed to be this cliché, but above all, I made memories that I will never forget.

I’m ready to move on.

PS: To those who feel like the 4 years of college are the best of your life, lucky you! One of my best friends cried rivers 2 weeks ago as he graduated from his close-knit, fun-loving liberal arts college. I envy him. For my part, I hold my fingers crossed that the best years of my life are just beginning…