To read more from this writer, view her blog at meghanfeir.wordpress.com. 

As is customary for college columnists upon graduation, they write a farewell, this-is-what-I-learned-through-my-college-experiences column for the last issue. They thank the influential people in their lives via publication. They reflect on the tough and memorable times that have formed them into their current state and despite their regularly cynical disposition, sentimentalities overtake their subject matter.

Yes, I’ve had a multitude of experiences; met lovely people I’d like to know forever; met other people I wouldn’t have chosen to meet; been encouraged and supported by my loved ones; survived working multiple jobs while being a full-time student; had a band for two days; been neighbors with multiple drug dealers; written poetry about heartbreak, faith and loons; started cooking every day, as opposed to cooking once a year; had major life changes and all that, but these are not the only things I’d like to discuss in my last column for The Advocate.

For years, many humans of adulthood, who are more adultish and aged than the likes of us, have been harbingers of doom.

“Just wait ‘til you get to the real world.”

It is as if they are waiting for us to shrivel up after stepping into the light of reality upon graduation, a nervous breakdown ready to drown our fragile disenchantment.

But, take heed, my fellow graduates. After we leave these halls of collegiate learning, life will go on, and we will find ways to cope.

Yes, times will change. Depending on the job, professional dress may be required, so stocking caps and skinny jeans will be worn less. The beloved flannel with the endearing coffee stain might be replaced with a crisp, white dress shirt. Hair may need to look presentable each day. A tie may need to be worn. You may be expected to wear skirts that are longer than you’ve ever worn to the bars, or class, for that matter.

Though these expectations may present difficulties for some, I believe we can all adapt to whatever our future employers require.

All sarcasm aside, I will, after all, allow myself to get sentimental for a moment or two…

The vine-covered walls of Weld, the late-night oasis of a practice room with a piano in the CA, the guarantee of running into a friend while walking through MacLean, discussions with professors and classmates who are actually exuberant about the material they teach and learn – these are examples of what I will truly miss after my time is done. I’ll even slightly miss long nights spent in the computer lab until 6 a.m. with friends at each side, stressing over the huge projects we have due that morning.

Every stage of life has its difficulties, but let us challenge ourselves to find the good in each day, while thanking the Lord for treasured moments we will always look back on with a smile and for those we are about to experience.

Look to the future with hope and excitement, fellow Dragons. Each day can be viewed as an adventure, if we make it a habit of viewing it as such. It’s our decision.

BY MEGHAN FEIR
Email