With Spring Break fast approaching, it’s starting to hit me that my college days are coming to an end. In fact, 59 days from now, I will be a graduate of Hope College. I just have so many mixed emotions about leaving this place. On one hand, I can’t wait to graduate and never take a test again. On the other hand, I dread the day that I have to say goodbye to a place thats become home and given me so many great friends. So here are the five things things I’m most looking forward to as the semester (and college) draws to a close.
Warmer weather and trips to the beach: one of my favorite things about Holland, MI, is how close the beach is to campus. When the weather becomes nicer, Hope students love to take trips to Lake Michigan. I can’t wait for a 75 degree day where my friends and I pick up shaved ice and drive to the beach to play volleyball and watch the sunset.
Spontaneous get togethers: some of the best times in college happen when nothing is planned and you just meet up with people. As college comes to an end, it seems that life becomes more structured. After I leave this place, I’ll be missing the late night Taco Bell runs, Friday volleyball games at DeVos with friends, playing cards till 1:00 am on the weekends, and the late night adventures that you can’t explain unless you’re there.
Taking the last exam: as fun as college has been, it’s also been a ton of work. I cannot wait to leave my last exam and know that after I pass the CPA exam I won’t have to take another test.
The Rope of Hope: at the last Gathering (Sunday night Chapel service) all seniors are asked to stand around the pews in the chapel, and cut part of a rope. There’s just something about standing with all of your classmates and knowing that you have been a part of a great school, and that school will continue with you wherever you go.
Commencement: even though I know it signals the end, I can’t wait to walk across the stage and be a graduate of such a great institution. Also, watching my friends walk across the stage will be equally as rewarding. Knowing that we’ve achieved a college degree is a great feeling – and I can’t wait for the day!