Graduation comes with a lot of emotions. There are feelings of joy, relief, sadness and certainly stress. For me in particular, there has been an overarching sense of disbelief: how is this all over?
I can truly say I have loved college. The people I’ve met, the experience I’ve had and the lessons I have learned have truly blown all my expectations out of the park. Coming into Ohio University, I thought I had a good grasp of who I was and what I wanted to do, but I’m leaving campus with an even clearer vision.
Since coming into college, I have been to eight different countries, and lived in two of them for a summer. I have completed a dream internship in New York City. I have served as editor-in-chief of The Post. I have earned two bachelor's degrees.
I say all these things not to recite my résumé, but rather to reflect on my time here. How I feel as a person surpasses these accomplishments. I have met dozens of people who have changed my life. The friends I have made here have taught me what it means to be loved wholly and fully for your true self. One of my mantras is “Who is going to love you when you don’t even love yourself?” I’m a big proponent of knowing yourself fully and truly, and a way to do that is to make sure you like the person who looks at you in the mirror. The best way to do that is by surrounding yourself with people who love and care for you. If you can’t see your best qualities reflected in those who surround you, you are investing your time in the wrong people.
I carry a deep love for the people of this university, and I will always be grateful for the ways they’ve shaped me. I may not remember every detail of media law, but I’ll never forget how Dr. D. made me feel—special, seen and inspired. I’ll remember Mark Turner for his sharp humor and quiet wisdom. I’ll remember Dr. Suddes for his deep knowledge and his uncanny ability to make you feel like you’ve just received the best compliment in the world. I’ll remember Dr. Debatin for his thoughtful nature and a moral compass so strong, it makes you reflect on your own. And I’ll remember Nerissa Young and Bill Reader for always making me laugh—and for never being afraid to speak their minds.
Thank you to Greg Moeller and Jenna Lehr for letting me bother you in your offices and making work fun. Thank you to Andrea Lewis for providing guidance and tough love when needed. Thank you, Beth Novak, for never failing to brighten my day. Thank you to Drs. Hippolyte and Delgado for sharing your passions with me– who knew I cared about Spanish art? The list could go on and on, but the main takeaway is that OU is home to some true gems. It is not the bricks or the traditions that make it feel like home, it is the people. I could have gone to college anywhere, but these people are only here.
I have learned to grow from both the good and the bad, the dark and the light. Yes, I’m leaving with a full résumé, but I’m leaving with a fuller heart. To feel truly known is a privilege, and it’s something I will never take for granted.
Looking forward, I am ready for the change. I have loved my time here, but I know it is coming to a natural end. I have grown up and grown out of college, and I know I have no choice but to start discovering the new me.
This has been an excellent time in my life, but I refuse to subscribe to the notion that this was the best time of my life. More memories are going to be made, more fun to be had. There is a saying in Spanish that has stuck with me. My dad would always say it to my sister and me when he finished reading a book aloud: “Colorín, colorado, este cuento se ha acabado.” This chapter has ended, but a new one is just beginning.
Alyssa Cruz is a senior studying journalism and Spanish at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Tell Alyssa by tweeting her at @alyssadanccruz.
