As I begin to throw away the old and useless condiments from my fridge, purchase my cap and gown, and transfer leadership in the Chimes to the next sucker, I can’t help but reflect on my time at Capital.
But, let me be clear: I hate the cliché Chimes goodbye from the seniors, so I’m going to try to make this enjoyable.
First off: freshmen year was my favorite year at Capital. I had so much free time, even though I thought I was super busy. I left high school behind and tried to start clean. I stopped talking to my best friend from back home and changed dramatically. I neglected any responsibility in high school and then somewhat started the same way.
I started dating a friend I knew prior to college and I broke her heart (only to later get back together.) Her parents really hated me after the heartbreak and challenged and criticized me because of my lack of responsibility and direction.
After that, something switched and I started doing more than I could imagine. Although they sucked for their impulsive and emotional judgement, my ex-girlfriend’s parents empowered me to change.
Don’t dwell on the circumstances where people tell you that you suck, because sometimes you do suck; or, more importantly, sometimes you just need someone to prove wrong.
The other part of freshman year: the “Call Me Maybe” video.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about: look it up on youtube. It’s gold.
If you do know what I’m talking about: watch it and realize how much has changed in just four years.
It makes me miss some aspects of Capital, like the large corner booth in the Cru Club (Or as it’s called now: One Main Cafe). Late on a Tuesday night, that rackety booth with five friends was your escape.
The fact is, Capital changed. Just like you did (or will).
Secondly, seniors, if you had a time machine and could go back to your senior year of high school, would you pick Capital again, knowing what you know now?
Let me guess your answer…
It’s probably “I’m not sure.”
You have good experiences and you have negative ones too. Yes, you were screwed over by the housing lottery and the internet speed sucks, but there is still a redeeming quality to this place. We all came here for different reasons–most of you probably the financial aid package–but, maybe you changed your major (or your dreams) after being here for a while.
Life is full of regrets for most people, and picking Capital may be a regret for some of the students reading this. I, too, have mixed feelings about my time at Capital; but, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Capital is a representation of real life – some professionals care, some don’t – if you want consistently good food, learn to cook – friends go in and out of your life – it’s hard to sleep around in a small community without your neighbors knowing – some neighbors seriously suck – housing is temperamental and expensive – you can be a hermit or you can actually go do things besides Netflix – and an abundance of alcohol without proper diet and exercise will make you fat.
So in a way, Capital does something amazing for you: it doesn’t sugarcoat life. Honestly, think – is there anything bad about Capital that isn’t an issue outside of Capital?
And thirdly: things you should do if you haven’t already/advice
- Ride your bike or walk in the middle of the road in Bexley at 2 a.m.
- Go to a choir concert
- Really get to know a faculty or staff member
- You’re going to fail and it’s going to hurt, so don’t regret the failure: capitalize on it
- Delete TimeHop. Sure, it’s fun, but you have to stop living in the past
- Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and open with someone. If it doesn’t work out, see #4
- Look for people who propose solutions as opposed to problems. Anyone can notice a problem
- Don’t trust people that prefer bow ties over normal ties
- Only go back home during breaks
- Learn about taxes, insurance, savings, etc. It’s not Capital’s job to teach you those things
- Contemplate if you should put the oxygen mask on your neighbor if you know the plane is going down.
- Take electives. One of the best ways to improve overall learning is by trying new things
- Read a biography of someone who inspires you
- Really try and commit yourself to something. Why settle for mediocrity?
- Swim in the pool on the third floor of Yochum
While I managed the Chimes this year, I actively shot down ideas for opinion pieces because I believe we, as students, don’t have enough expertise in most subjects that permit us from sharing our opinion to the world (plus, opinion pieces are always a great way to piss readers off).
I stand by that, though. I’m 22 years old and I went to Capital for four years. I don’t claim to be an expert on anything. If you’re still reading at this point, I’m surprised.
Capital will be here for a long time and most people will forget me. And that’s not a sad thing: that’s a real part of life. People move on and change; at least, you hope they do. So, don’t limit yourself.
