A final goodbye from an IU senior

I remember it like it was yesterday: the first day of freshman year, I was eager to get to Bloomington as fast as I could.

My two sisters were quickly becoming annoyed by my impatience and
excitement.

My mom couldn’t stop crying, and my dad was just as excited as I was.

After moving into my 12’ X 19’ dorm room and getting acquainted with my new roommate, it was time to say goodbye to my family.

Bittersweet is the only word to describe that day.

Today, almost a week away from graduation, that poignant feeling has made a comeback.  

In an attempt to leave a legacy on this campus, I am offering some advice as a senior who is feeling a sense of excitement, and yes, even jealousy, for the incoming freshmen.

You have no idea what you are in for.

Freshman year is probably going to be the best year of your life.

It’s the first time you have the freedom of an adult, with the carelessness of a kid.

This is the only time in your life when you’re not expected to know anything.

Much of what you worry about as a freshman isn’t going to matter by the time you’re a senior.

Don’t worry about getting into the bar. Enjoy frat parties.

Spend time in the McNutt C-store, go to as many basketball games as possible and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to anyone you come into contact with.

When you are a sophomore, pull an all-nighter cramming for a test, take a boat ride on Lake Monroe and take a road trip with your friends to visit other schools.

As a junior: GO ABROAD! As much as I love my school, going to Barcelona was the best decision I made in college.

You get to see the world, learn new things and meet new people.

Once you are a senior, your social life does a complete 180.

Go to Kilroy’s on Thursdays to get free shirts, spend the day tasting wine at Oliver Winery, participate in a bar crawl and dance the night away in the Sport’s jungle.

A note to every student at IU, regardless of your grade: Live with your best friends.

Although you might want to kill each other, it will be a learning experience that in many cases will strengthen your friendship.

Take advantage of the shows that come to the Auditorium. This will probably be the only time that you get to see a Broadway show for $25.

Skip a party during Little 500 and attend the bike race. After all, that is the reason why we dedicate a week to partying, right?

Hang out with your friends as much as possible. Good luck finding time to catch up with them in the real world.

Last, but certainly not least, appreciate every moment because it goes fast.

Before you know it, you will be in my shoes, passing on the torch to a new wave of freshmen.

Although these bittersweet feelings are getting the best of me, I am excited to embark on a new chapter of my life.

Farewell, Indiana University. Thanks for giving me the best ride of my life. You’ll be missed.

­— azaslow@indiana.edu