For approximately 90% of the school year, Graduation was how we kept eachother motivated. We all reassured eachother that it would be coming soon, that soon it would all be over. And then it was.
To quote an author whom I respect very much, it happened much like "the way you fall asleep: slowly and then all at once". One moment we were all struggling to make it through finals and then suddenly we were climbing those steps and crossing that stage.
Out of all of my time at Wellesley, the week leading up to graduation was certainly the most surreal. On one hand, it felt like we had finally arrived at this moment after years of hard work, everything was finally in place. On the other hand, it felt like we were playing dress up and just going through the motions of century-old traditions. What right did we have to be singing the alma mater at Baccalaureate? (That's for grown ups!)
One month out, the fervor of that time is starting to dissipate. Immediately following the ceremony, we packed our bags and headed out from campus. Some people went to travel the world, some moved to new cities, others started new jobs-all very much excited and nervous at the same time. The world is still spinning although we left, which is very good sign of things to come.
As for myself, I have halfway processed what is going on. While it doesn't really seem right that I won't be heading back this fall, I am ready to move forward to something new. I hope in the years to come that the darkest times will become like a bad dream and the good will forever be cemented in my memory. I'm hoping that in five years time I can greet the campus like an old friend.
But for now, goodbye and good luck to all.
