A letter to seniors out there:
If you’re anything like I was during the start of my senior year, you are probably filled with a solid mix of excitement and dread. Today is the first of the many lasts of your undergraduate career. And while the last first day of school may be a time for you to look with anxiety of the things that may or may not come to fruition (read: the fear of the unknown), it also provides the opportunity to take things as they are.
The past.
What better day than today to look back at all of those first days of school. All of the hard work that you’ve put into getting to where you are right now. Most likely, you didn’t reach this point on your own either. Along the way there was probably a supportive parent or mentor, a teacher or professor that pushed you that extra bit, grounded you in reality, or helped you to harness the true giftedness that lie untapped inside of you. What better time than now to reach out and thank one of those people. And while you’re at it, be grateful to yourself for allowing all of that growth to take place. You certainly are a different person than way back when (even if you, like me, still like to drink juice boxes, and enjoy the smell of play-doh).
The future…
[Now take a deep breath with me before I finish that statement]
is uncertain.
And that’s ok.
No one can tell you how things are going to end up this year or forever after. Who knows what you’ll be 5, 10, 15 years from now; who will be your closest friends; who you will still be in touch with; what will surprise, amaze, or bring you to tears. Just remember that the easiest way to move into the future is one step at a time. You’re probably going to forget that, and that’s ok too. It may be worth writing down at some point, especially as you are bombarded with the “what are you doing next year” question. The truth is, no one really knows with 100% certainty what they are doing next is “right” 100% of the time. You just have to make sure that what you are doing is in line with who you are.
And most importantly, the present.
Each day is a practice in patience and self- control—the work of not getting too far ahead of yourself, or looking to far behind. Each day is a gift, and an incredible blessing. And each day is a party—a celebration of the life you have been given.
But don’t forget, that even this portion of time will fade away. Sooner than later, your undergraduate career is going to end. It may even sneak up on you. The clock is ticking. I’m not saying this to make you anxious, but rather as a reminder that there is a set amount of time that you have. Start planning now what you want to have done by the end of the day. Who do you want to deepen you relationships with? What memories are you going to make that are going to stick with you? Don’t be afraid to make a fool out of yourself, or make some mistakes—some of the best stories, and insights come from being daring. Who knows, you may even accidently fall into your passion unknowingly.
A wise man once told me that people often overwork themselves in the academic world, but when’s the last time that you heard of college students focusing on the social aspects of their life in an impassioned and genuine way. That’s not to say that you ought to toss the books and coast (learning in itself can be a joy), but to find balance in the varied aspects of your life. I want you to wring out each day until you’ve squeezed every ounce of joy out of it. Your time is limited, but what you can do with it is not.
My wish for you this year is this: to love more deeply, to live more dynamically, to be true to yourself, and to always keep in mind that you need to take gentle care of yourself.
This year is going to test you, but you’ve got the strength to conquer anything that comes your way. And if you ever need help, remember that you aren’t alone.
Make it a great day, and an unforgettable year, folks.
Keeping being you, because you are a blessing to so many.
Peace.
