I can vividly remember the celebratory last days of school in my K-12 years-the forgotten smell of fresh-cut grass while waiting for the school bus in the morning; the naked, thrilling sensation of getting on the bus without carrying a backpack because all that lay ahead was a day full of movies and games; finding month-old Christmas cards and valentines while cleaning out my desk; reminiscently signing yearbooks. Most of all, I remember thoughts of summer fun consuming my mind as I anxiously waited for those three months of freedom.
Now, at the dawn of what will probably be my final “free” summer vacation, the excitement is lacking. There no longer seems to be any celebration for surviving another year of schooling. There are summer jobs, summer classes and stacks of to-do lists interrupting the final-days festivities. Summer fun has taken a backseat to lead-footed adulthood. But I am holding up a yield sign.
It is time to celebrate-whether you are a freshman finishing your first year or a super senior reluctantly entering the “real world,” give yourself a pat on the back, and take the time to proudly commemorate your successes from the past year. Remember celebrating every single minute accomplishment in elementary school? I think that fifteen-page research paper that you slaved over this semester deserves just as much recognition as that crayoned picture of a bunny. Besides, like the great Meredith Grey once said, “At the end of the day, the fact that we have the courage to still be standing is reason enough to celebrate.”
Additionally, I would like to celebrate what a superb staff we have had at The Quad this year. Special thanks to Ginger Rae Dunbar, who has left me size 765 shoes to fill as the new Editor-in-Chief for the Fall 2012 semester, and to Dr. Thompsen, whose mind is so technologically advanced that I often wonder if he was created by Steve Jobs himself. I will sincerely miss all of the seniors. I wish them, as well as every graduating Golden Ram, the best of luck in their future endeavors, and I encourage them to celebrate all that life generously offers.