Four years after first setting foot in Baker University Center, I waited last night to pick up my cap, gown and crimson tassel.
To say I am nostalgic of my time here is a given, but when I look back on what I spent the past four years doing, it is really very difficult to describe. I’ve written for The Post for three years (the front page today has my 250th article, actually), but as much as I have loved that, it’s only been a fraction of what made this place so special to me.
When I first came to this town, I was determined to experience everything Athens had to offer. It was hard enough to commit to one area of study so I settled for four. I have always been indecisive to a fault.
The first thing I did when I came to campus was enroll in Army ROTC, which consumed much of my time for the first two years here at OU. Then I joined a Bible study for Campus Crusade. Then I joined The Post. Then I joined WOUB. Then I got a job at a dining hall.
The extracurriculars have come and gone during these past four years. And yes, I know I stretched myself a little thin at times, but looking from where I am now, it makes this place all that more meaningful to me. The Hocking River is prettiest when you’ve run by it at 6 a.m. before the rest of the world is awake. Alden Library is most fun when you’ve committed to an all-nighter.
But when you’re in my chair, getting ready to say goodbye to a place you’ve called home for four years, it brings a little more meaning to you. I know more about this town than what I was told in Scripps Hall. I tried it for myself.
As I get ready to leave, my only hope is those who come after me will embrace the opportunity to get to know Athens as well as I did.
From the grungiest house parties to the most upscale Greek socials, I’ve gotten to know every manner of student around here pretty well — morning people, night people and everything in between.
Everybody here has a story, and it’s intensely rewarding to explore so many different walks of life in such a small area. You’ll never get this opportunity anywhere but college, so why not give it a try.
Sticking around for both summer and winter breaks, it’s hard not to feel like I’ve developed an understanding of the town more intimate than the average student, and I’d think it’s an experience worth having.
When I accept my degree next weekend, I won’t just be leaving behind an institution and friends, but a lifestyle I wouldn’t trade for the world — one where I was determined to get the most comprehensive and holistic view of this town and university at all of their states. And I will walk away from that a much changed and much more capable citizen.
It’s been an honor, Athens.
Tristan Navera is a senior studying journalism with concentrations in military science and biological science and a certificate in political communication and assistant campus editor at The Post. Email him at tn336706@ohiou.edu.
