These last few weeks have been especially hard for me, as I am sure they have been for many other graduating seniors here at MSU.
We spend several years of our lives here at the university. When it comes time for us to leave, it can be a hard transition. We came here years ago as wide-eyed kids, amazed at the thought of living without parents. Everything was fresh and new to us.
Semester after semester, we grew. We built new lives away from the homes we grew up in. New friends replaced childhood memories. The college and all the things that came with it became a huge part of our lives and of who we are.
Then, just as suddenly as we were thrown into this life, we find ourselves about to be thrown back out. And we don’t know exactly where we will find ourselves next.
Maybe we will not miss the 8 a.m. classes. But we will miss the midnight trips to Starkville Caf. We could probably do without the endless research papers. But what could replace the endless nights with our friends?
Not only do we have to deal with the thought of giving up this lifestyle that we have made our own, we also have to cope with the fear of the unknown.
As humans, we are completely and totally terrified of what we don’t know. The fear of the unknown is a very powerful force.
And when we are leaving college, everything can seem scary. We become small children again, hiding from the monsters that we absolutely know are in the closet.
It’s true we can’t possibly know what will happen after we walk across the stage at The Hump wearing a funny little black robe and hat. But do we ever know what will happen next? We are not guaranteed anything in life. That is the same with people everywhere and of all ages.
But we do lose one very important thing when we leave the college campus. Nestled between our books, Post-It notes and headaches, we leave behind our safety nets. This time when we go out on that proverbial limb, we really are alone.
Now don’t get me wrong. I am very much looking forward to Dec. 9 and my little trip across the stage. I have worked for and dreamed of this day for a long time now. At the same time, I realize how much I am leaving behind.
Regardless of how frightened we are, we have to learn to put aside our fear. Because in the end, what difference does it all make? It is about the lives we live and the people we love. The beginning does not matter, and neither does the end. It is how we get there that counts.