All semester I’ve had a countdown until Dec. 17. That will be the day I walk across the stage, get my diploma, say goodbye to Auburn and begin my life in the real world.
Up until a few days ago, I’ve been anxiously anticipating that day. But the closer it gets, the more I’m actually dreading it.
I don’t know why I’ve been so excited about leaving a place I love so much.
My friends are here, the family I’ve created for myself is here, my mentors are here and most importantly, my life is here. I don’t know what I’m going to do in 18 days when life as I know it now is over.
A few weeks ago someone told me that when I graduate, the best part of my life will begin. I really hope that person is right, because right now I’m convinced that the best part of my life is about to end.
I’m finding myself trying to do everything in Auburn one last time, while also going places and doing things I’ve never done here before. I want to live my last days here to the fullest. The next 18 days are going to exhaust me. I don’t want to waste a minute of those days, because they’re all I have left here.
I’ve been staying up all night and losing sleep to spend time with the people I care about.
I’ve been making time to see people when I have other things I should be doing, because this could be the last chance I get for a long time.
When I leave here, I don’t want to look back and think of all the things I should have made time for.
But, as my college days come to an end, I can’t help but think about all the people and things that made my time here so memorable.
First, my parents. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t even be at Auburn. I’m grateful for all the incredible opportunities they have given me. They always try to make my life easy, even when it isn’t easy for them.
Second, my friends. I never imagined I could find such amazing friends. They have stood by my side through everything, and I love them for it. I know the friends I’ve made here are for a lifetime. Thanks to all of you for everything you’ve done for me.
Then there are the Auburn traditions. Rolling Toomer’s, the eagle flying, call-outs at Cater Hall and many more. I truly believe the traditions and values at Auburn are unlike any place else. The people here are genuinely nice, and I know I’m going to miss that wherever I go. It was the Southern hospitality and deep-rooted traditions that brought me to the Loveliest Village on the Plains, and it will be those things that I miss the most when I leave.
And finally, The Plainsman. It is the one thing that has significantly shaped my time at Auburn.
Unless you’ve worked here, you will never understand how it can take over your life, but that’s not a bad thing.
Working at this paper has taught me not only about journalism, but about life.
I’ve poured my heart into this paper, and it has been nothing but rewarding.
Seeing students read the paper that this staff spent countless hours working on is an incredible feeling. It shows that all our hard work really did pay off.
The people who work for The Plainsman are some of the hardest-working, most-talented students at Auburn. They have a way of balancing school, a social life and their responsibilities at this paper almost flawlessly.
I’m going to miss all of them when I leave. To the staff members who will still be around next semester, good luck. I know the paper will be great.
To all Auburn students, cherish your time here. It will end much too quickly.
War Eagle, y’all. I’m out.
