It’s hard to believe that I’ve spent four years here at Castleton. I remember in high school when I got accepted, running through the halls sarcastically boasting about my big feat. I had no idea that in a short amount of time I would consider Castleton my second home.

I’ve been a part of clubs and teams, watched world records be made and plans come together, had a kick-ass internship and so much in-between.

I’ve met some amazing people during my time here who have undoubtedly shaped my life and whom I owe many thanks to. I was fortunate enough to have a great group of girls to live with over the course of my three years on campus who have become more like sisters than roommates.

I would be lying if I said that I never had some stressful times at Castleton. Girls can be mean. Paper work is ridiculous. Just last week I got a letter saying my December graduation date may be in jeopardy because I haven’t taken the Quantitative reasoning test yet. I haven’t had to take a math test in five years and yet they make take a test before I can get my diploma? I am math illiterate, so everyone on campus needs to cross their fingers for me. And the real kicker, the year I live off campus is the year we get decent food. Thank you Castleton!

Believe me, I am overjoyed to leave in December, but I can’t help but to think of the one person who has affected my life the most, yet is unable to share the joy of my accomplishments. My mother passed away when I was 16-years-old and has missed a large chunk of moments in my life.  So when I walk across the stage in May to accept the degree I have worked extremely hard for the last four years, it won’t only be for me, but also for her and everyone else in my family who has supported me along the way in this journey we call life.

Before I go though, there are a few things I need to share with you all; Important things that I wish someone who have told me when I first got here. First, be as involved as you can. Join clubs, student organizations, the whole nine yards. Second, don’t worry about what you’re going to do after you graduate until you really are close to graduating. I am having this fear right now, so I started applying for jobs. I got an interview at the Bennington Banner for a copy-editing position and it lasted five minutes exactly. The editor didn’t bother to read my resume close enough to know I was still in school. As an editor myself, I was flabbergasted. I’m hoping the next interview I have goes smoother.

Third, there will be some people you wish you had been nicer too and others you wish you hadn’t been as pleasant, but it is much better to have been nicer to the people that didn’t deserve it than have not been nice enough to those who did. Lastly and one I have learned from numerous experiences over the years, if you’re 20 credits away from graduating, do not take 20 credits to get out of here a semester early, plus work two jobs and be involved in extra-curriculars. Castleton isn’t that bad of a place, so stay a while!

Sen