The other day I was sitting in Lowry with my close group of girlfriends, all seniors, when a first-year† friend came over and joined us. After quickly de-briefing about our weekends and the shameful blushing and laughter that ensued, the first-year brought up the dreaded question, the one topic that always creates a damper on any sort of conversation, the gray cloud that has been hovering for a number of weeks now ó “So, what are your plans for after graduation?” My one friend’s face turned white, as if she had seen a ghost. Another nudged my elbow and we all groaned loudly. “We don’t talk about that,” I emphasized, and laughed, hoping my nervous giggles would clue the first-year in to immediately change the subject.
With two weeks of classes left, final exams approaching and talk of graduation parties, it’s becoming inevitable not to start thinking about the future. And just as being a Wooster student will end for us seniors this coming May, the school year is also ending for the rest of students as well. And so, in light of my co-editor’s recent editorial on the benefits of optimism on this campus, I figured I’d offer up some suggestions, all extremely optimistic of course, to dealing with the next few weeks.
I counted and there are only 24 days until graduation. For seniors, you’ve got 24 days left with your classmates. So, why waste the next couple weeks holding grudges? Don’t waste time being mad or acting awkward, it’s simply not worth it. I’ll say it ó you’ll probably never see half of these people ever again, maybe without the exception of complete coincidences or class reunions. On the one hand, you could argue that since you’re not going to see these people again, you may as well continue holding that silly little grudge ó but come on, do you really want to be that person? Why not instead take advantage of the time you have left, enjoy it ñ have fun, celebrate ñ and embrace the friendships and relationships you’ve spent either four, three, two, or even just one year, forming. Be the bigger person and forget about that little “incident,” awkward moment, or even big blowout you had with someone.
As daunting for everyone as 24 days actually is, it’s 24 days of spring! The sun is shining, the quad is filled with bikini-clad students playing volleyball and getting their tan on. People are pulling out their fake (and real) Ray Bans, and dresses, sandals and shorts are finally making a welcome appearance.
Everyone is happy and consequently not getting much work done, considering we all would rather spend time outside than inside in the library. With the resulting change in mood from the warm weather, how about adopting the attitude of “Why not?” Say what you want to say, get everything off your chest and when someone asks you if you want to play Frisbee despite your total lack of athleticism, just reply, “Why not?” For seniors, you’ve got only a number of weeks left ó why not? The underclassmen however, need to approach this suggestion with a bit more caution. The thing is, all you guys are returning to school in the fall. I can’t promise that the boy you profess your feelings to won’t forget what you said come September. However, why not just take that chance regardless?
Finally, this last one is a special shout-out to fellow seniors. Embrace the future. Sure, right now it may not be certain or things may not be set in stone quite yet and okay, filling out job and grad school applications really sucks right now, but why not think about this change as a beginning, rather than an ending. Like I always say to my friends back home every time I leave to come back to Wooster, “It’s not goodbye ó it’s see ya later.”
Allana Mortell is a News editor for the Voice. She can be reached for comment at AMortell10@wooster.edu