I have listened to The Chicks’s version of “Landslide” no less than 30 times in the past two days.
I had been putting off grappling with the impending doom that is graduation, but each time the sun sets I am reminded that I have one less day to experience here in Athens. Anxiety is something that has plagued me for years and years. From tests to parties to nothing in particular, you could probably find me taking five deep breaths to try and subside the feelings of dread.Yet for some reason, the thought of graduating doesn’t make me wake up with a heart rate so fast you would think I was being hunted for sport.
Of course I’m emotional. I randomly burst into tears at the thought of leaving behind my bedroom that’s now in a perpetual state of disarray as I pack up my furniture. I can barely stand the thought that all of my closest friends will no longer be a 15 minute walk (up a deathly hill) away.
It is sad thinking about leaving behind everything I have come to know and love. My roommates, Destroyer Night at Stephen’s, the Mr. Hibachi 3 Roll Sushi Combo, The Post, "Vanderpump Rules" on the living room TV, the beauty of Athens and so many other things. And yet I know there will be even more to love in my post-grad life.
“Time makes you bolder,” as The Chicks say. I entered college as a version of myself that I no longer know. Every hour, every experience at OU, even the ugly ones, made me who I am today. It’s hard to not feel scared about what’s to come, trust me I know, but knowing that you’re entering the world as a better version of yourself makes it a whole lot easier.
That’s my advice. College is one of your best opportunities to grow, so be sure to use it. Make so many mistakes, discover new bands, new hobbies, new people, dye your hair, get a piercing, play a sport, switch your major, do whatever you want! Becoming comfortable with who you are is one of the hardest parts of growing up, but college provides you with the opportunity to try just about anything.
Freshman year me would have died at the thought of going out wearing a George Washington costume, but senior year me jumped at the chance. Freshman year me used to be scared to even write an article for The Post, and now I edit them. I’m still learning more and more about myself each day, but I take comfort in the fact that I’m so much less afraid about who I am.
All this to say, the world keeps on spinning. The passage of time is inevitable, but reckoning with the fact that time itself had a hand in allowing you to flourish makes it all feel a lot better.
The past four years at OU are ones I wouldn’t trade for the world, yet I’m not afraid for the next four, and the next four after that. The version of Emma that I am now is one I’m proud of, and one that I know is ready to face whatever may come. Don’t be scared, you got this.
Emma is a senior studying journalism. Please note that the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Emma? Email her at ee646020@ohio.edu.
Managing Editor
