Do you remember Desmond the Moon Bear from the Youtube video asdfmovie2 by TomSka? If not, you’re missing out. But if you do, you probably remember his famous line: “How did I get here?”
Well, that’s me. I’m graduating in a couple weeks, and I’m not really sure how I got here.
I never really intended to join the Chimes. 
Scandalous, I know, but it’s true. After high school, I intended to give up journalism altogether. After all, I was now a psychology major; there was no way I’d be able to do something so far outside of my field, since I’d have to devote every waking moment to becoming the best psychologist in the history of ever.
But, at the prompting of a good friend, I joined the Chimes anyway. Later, I tried to quit, but they reeled me back in. Journalists can be quite persuasive.
So, here we are, four years later as I’m writing the traditional ‘farewell from the editor,’ and I don’t regret my decision at all. (However, I do regret not becoming the best-ever psychologist, but there’s still time, right?)
I’ve tried writing this goodbye several times, but it never feels right. I feel like I’ve just gotten started; there’s no way I’m leaving. I’ve only begun to make the changes I’d like to see in the Chimes, at Capital, and in myself. Four years isn’t a lot of time.
In reflection, though, I wouldn’t change a thing.
People always ask, “Would you have chosen Capital four years ago if you knew what you know now?”
My short answer is always yes.
Capital has its problems, sure. The food sucks, the dorms are terrible, parking is a joke…I could go on. But, really, are these problems exclusive to Capital? Of course not.
Luckily, the benefits outweigh the negatives.
You can step outside of your ascribed area to do what you love. Whether its joining a newspaper as a psychologist (like me) or sticking with your love of band as a math major, there’s an opportunity for everyone to do what they enjoy, not just what they have to.
Also, it’s fairly easy to form bonds with faculty members—they’re all pretty cool. I’ve met some of the most inspiring, intelligent people while at Capital, and I know I’m better for it.
Add in the fact that Capital provides great scholarships and that the campus is small enough to make it to class five minutes after rolling out of bed, and it’s really an ideal environment.
So, why am I telling you all of these cliché things you already know?
Because it’s helping me cope with leaving.
In case you weren’t aware, the “real world” is scary. I know I’m prepared to leave, but that doesn’t make the transition any less terrifying.
And that’s okay.
I know very few seniors who actually have a plan for after graduation.
I’m proud of those who do, but I’m proud of those who don’t, too. We’re graduates; the world is our proverbial oyster. I’ve still got time to figure it out, and I plan to use that time to better myself and to relax from the past four years.
So, while I begin the relaxation process, I’d like to share with you some things I’ve learned during my time here. Feel free to stop reading here or come back after the numbered list, as I’m about to jump on my soapbox.
- Sure, you can sleep when you’re dead, but you can also sleep now and not hate yourself as much the next day. Sleep is important. Do it.
- You’re here to learn, but you’re also here for the experience. Get out and do things. Explore Columbus. See a show in the Conservatory or Cabaret Theatre. Sit at the fountains and people-watch. Enjoy time not studying.
- Surround yourself with people who appreciate you for who you are.
- Take a philosophy class. Use that time to hear arguments and opinions from people unlike you and really evaluate your thoughts. You don’t have to change them, but really look at your beliefs and your “boxes.”
- Try not to compare yourself to others too often. We’re all good at different things; it’s what makes us unique. My farewell is not nearly as good as past staff members but, damn, I’m trying my best, and that’s what matters.
- Don’t put more than 30 words on your PowerPoint presentations.
- As terrible as it sounds, everything really is all about who you know. Get to know your professors, the administration, the person who sits next to you in class. You never know when you’ll need their help.
To my professors: Thank you for your hard work, your dedication, your intelligence and wisdom.
To my Registrar’s Office coworkers: Thank you for always being my biggest support system.
To my friends: Thank you for dealing with my craziness, always loving me and constantly making me laugh.
To my parents: Thank you for sticking with me as I’ve made this journey as a first-generation student. It didn’t always make sense, but I know you’re proud of me, and I couldn’t have done it without you.
To my Chimes staff: Thank you for working so, so hard this year to produce such an incredible paper. Special shout-out to my Managing Editor; thank you for being my partner and always keeping me calm and reaffirming that I’m not running the newspaper into the ground.
And finally, to Kelly Messinger: Hi. I know you’ve always wanted your name in the newspaper, so I’m happy to oblige. Thank you.
Overall, my time at Capital and with the Chimes has been truly magical. I hope the best for everyone I’ve encountered on my journey, and for myself as I move forward.
Also, please hire me. I desperately need a job.
