The countdown begins
Here I am, standing on the doorstep of graduation, facing adulthood like a startled deer in life’s headlights. Frankly, it feels like being at the top of a roller coaster – equal parts excitement and terror. The pivotal moment of graduation marks not only the peak of my academic grind but also the beginning of a new chapter, one where I transition from a student to an alumna.
As I prepare to say goodbye to my beloved Bishop’s, I can’t help but feel a strange combination of emotions spiralling inside. It’s like the final scene of a sitcom – bittersweet with a hint of existential crisis – emphasis on the existential crisis if I’m being honest.
Where dreams meet deadlines
Bishop’s University, the place where dreams come to life and deadlines come to haunt you like that ghost you’re pretty sure lived in your closet as a kid. From diving into the world of Mr. Noodle and Kraft Dinner feasts to juggling friends and fun while freaking out over deadlines pilling up fast, Bishop’s has been my crash course in Adulting 101. To be perfectly honest, I would not have it any other way.
Caffeine-fueled wisdom
In the centre of all the chaos of being a university student, I’ve learned a few life lessons – you know, about life, love, and everything in between. Outside of class, Bishop’s is a boot camp for life. That’s where I figured out how to bounce back when things got tough and why teamwork makes the dream work.
Whether I was winning or stumbling, I got to know what I was made of, faced my flaws, and learned to just be me. I’ve learned that sometimes, the best memories happen in the dead of the night, crouching over textbooks in the library whining with friends who are basically family by now, about the pile of homework we have while watching TikToks. Throughout my university journey, which we can call a career by now, I’ve come to terms with the fact that messing up isn’t the end of the world after all. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned you may ask? No amount of coffee can replace a good night’s sleep! This didn’t stop me from gulping down a cup or two (maybe five) and giving it my best shot.
The school of hard knocks
Sure, I may be graduating with a degree in Political Studies, but let’s be real, my true education came from the school of hard knocks experienced at Bishop’s. Like the countless hours I spent perfecting the art of procrastination while convincing myself it was “self-care.” So, as I stand on the cliff of graduation, I am overcome with a sense of nostalgia for the institution that has played a focal role in shaping the person I have become today. As I say au revoir to the cramped lecture halls, I am trading my favourite pair of sweatpants for a stiff suit I’ll learn to love.
The transition from bedside to boardroom
I’ve come to realize that my days of rolling out of bed five minutes before class will soon look like early morning commutes and endless meetings where fancy words like ‘strategic planning’ will be thrown around like confetti. I can’t help but wonder what lies ahead. Will I land my dream job or end up in my parents’ basement, living on ramen noodles and regret? There is a world of outcomes possible. One thing’s for damn sure: no matter where life takes me, I’ll always cherish the memories created during my time at Bishop’s and I know I will always be part of the B.U. family.
“So raise your beer mugs, and your little brown jugs to Bishop’s University!”
Here I am, as the graduation countdown ticks away, wobbling on the edge of adulthood, where excitement and apprehension dance an uncertain tango, but hey, isn’t that what adds spice to life’s adventures?
Going through the circus of university life has been no easy achievement, but it was one heck of a ride. I can’t help but feel a rush of gratitude for the experiences, lessons, and memories that I have experienced. Bishop’s has been more than just a place of education; it has been a home, a community, and a space for growth. If given the chance, I would choose Bishop’s countless times over.
As I transition from a student to alumna, I carry with me the spirit of Bishop’s and the pride of being a part of the Gaiter family. Maybe one day I’ll look back on this moment with fondness, laughing at the naivety of my youth and raise a glass to the place that made me who I am today.
So here’s to Bishop’s University – a place where dreams are nurtured, challenges are embraced, and memories are made.
