If someone told me when I was a high school senior that I'd be sad about graduating college in three years, I'd tell them they were crazy. But that's what I am: sad. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to see what's next, but I also could wait to leave this place I call home.
There are niche questions you don't consider asking yourself until you're about to leave college. When will my best friend and I search for the last available booth in Alden Library for the final time? When is the last time I'll use my Bobcat ID to swipe into The Post newsroom? Or when will my Bobcat ID stop working altogether?
The dining hall: something I never thought I'd miss, but as a senior who has to make her own meals, I miss it. Maybe it isn't the food I long for, but the shared conversations I had with friends over Boyd Dining Hall's taco bar or Nelson Dining Hall's breakfast after a long weekend.
And though I hated walking up Jeff Hill and Morton Hill, it saddens me to think I'll never be rushing up them trying to beat a record getting from class to class. As for walking from place to place, I don't think I will ever again have so many of my best friends within walking distance.
I live with some of my closest friends, while others live right down the hall in the same apartment complex. And my other friends live close enough that I wouldn't even have to wear a jacket to walk to their place if it was cold out.
Though I don't know what life is like after college, I'm nervous about losing the spontaneity of life that comes with these foundational years. The last-minute plans or spending all my money on Court Street—I have responsibilities, but every decision, bad or good, feels justified when you're a college student.
I never really had a "place" during my time at Ohio University. I never had a designated place I went to think or to do my homework. I was always moving, scheduling my days back-to-back, nonstop. Sometimes I think that was my downfall; I always moved so fast. I'm graduating college a year early, and I would give anything to have that fourth year.
Ferris Bueller's quote, "If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it," is some advice I wish I had taken. Don't miss the opportunity to go do something reckless at 2 a.m., but also don't miss that phone call with the person that could help further your career. It's about finding a balance. Think of your future self, but live as your present self.
I know my time at OU is up because I have been grateful enough to experience so many monumental developmental opportunities. Athens will always be one of my homes and I can't wait to come back as an alumna.
College is a time you will never get back, so enjoy it, cherish it. With a lot of lasts comes many firsts—that I do know.
Kayla Bennett is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree? Tell Kayla by tweeting her at @kkayyben.
