by Becca Muntean
Graduation is coming. I can practically taste the bitter sweetness of leaving this place, the quaint haven of learning and safety. I know; my perception of the past four years differs from a lot of students’. I hear all the time, “Can’t wait to graduate. I need to get out of here.”
While I can sympathize with wanting a break from assignments and relentless work and class schedules, I cherish the time I’ve spent here and the people I have met.
Even in my final semester, I am still making new friends and learning more about myself through communicating with others and trying new things.
I was asked to write this short column to send a message to my successors. Whether the message is positive or negative was my choice. My message to you, dear reader, dear under classman, dear super senior, is as bitter sweet as my departure: kick your ass into high gear and make this place better than how you found it.
My number one gripe with my peers is the incessant complaints they have about their own university.
If something isn’t working, make changes. Writing angry Facebook and Twitter updates doesn’t count. “Dear Capital University,” means absolutely nothing if it’s posted on your profile page.
The process to overcome and conquer your inner strife, whether it is related to the university or not, is to first get the complaining out of your system, and then to ask yourself what logical steps can you take to heal this strife and make positive changes.
Once the first step is done and over with, the second will surprise you. I know you are passionate people; we are young and vibrant free-thinkers with big dreams. Hone your passions and talents to make your environment a better place. You will never, ever regret trying.
And, I know. Sometimes it’s easier said than done. I am the first to empathize with the working college student.
I have never been unemployed while in college, and I ran cross country and track for three years. I currently have four jobs to support myself through college—Mom and Dad don’t give any hand-outs.
The first semester of my senior year was horrible: I simultaneously edited ReCap and the Chimes, tutored at Academic Success and babysat two wild little boys while I wrote my senior thesis and applied to graduate school.
Most days I woke up and thought, “That’s it. I’m done. I’m never going to get into grad school, and I’m not smart enough to write something worthwhile.” The future scared me, and it still does every day, but I didn’t accomplish anything with that attitude.
Thanks to my mentor, Dr. Kevin Griffith, and the support of my family and friends (shout out to SaJo and Gossip Girl Laur for consoling me on the darkest of evenings), I made it. I have spent many a night wondering how I will ever get it all done, but everything works out in the end if you just try. It always does.
That I can promise you.
P.S. MARK DAVIS WHERE ARE ANDREW’S PANTS? HE SAID YOU COULD BORROW THEM THAT ONE TIME. FOUR YEARS AGO. THERE IS NO EXCUSE. YOU DIDN’T EVEN NEED THOSE PANTS. YOU LIVED NEXT DOOR.
rmuntean@capital.edu
