Issue date: 5/5/08 Section: Showcase

Dear College,

When I first got here four years ago I never imagined it would end so quickly. Now I can count our days together on my hands. What will I do without you? How will I manage? Oh, College, you are so dear to me.

For the last few years you have defined me - a college student. My identity. Now what? Am I supposed to be a "grown up?" What does that even mean? Am I ready? Have you prepared me for what the "real world" really is? Let's look at the lessons I have learned from you, oh College.

1. I do, in fact, have the ability to feed myself.
Although I prefer to eat various forms of noodles most days, there have been a few occurrences in which I made meals that could be considered "feasts." Cooking isn't actually hard; you just have to know how to read a cook book.

2. I hate group projects.
I just finished my last group project and can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Never again do I have to wonder if group members will show up to meetings, if they know how to write or if they are going to judge me fairly. Phew! Glad that's over. I've heard you have to work in groups a lot out in the job world, but for now I choose to deny that fact.

3. I don't completely suck at meeting new people.
As a child I was somewhat shy, or as my mother said - mute. I still don't always enjoy being thrust into a situation without knowing anyone, but can safely say I have vastly improved in the meet n' greet area throughout my time here.

4. I am smart.
Yes, I do believe my brain has acquired more knowledge through my classes here. I still think plenty of them were a waste of time, but I know more about AP style, writing and Tenochtitlan than when I started.

5. My friends are my family.
No matter where I go in life, even if my biological family is not nearby, I can create a makeshift family. Though some of my college family members have come and gone, I know there are a few I will hold onto for awhile. I love them and I don't know how I'll function without them. I will hold these memories we made in a special place in my heart. Thank you, friends, you are my world.

Those seem like some pretty valuable lessons, so I guess, College, you have prepared me. I am ready to see what's out there. Bring it on, World, bring it on.

Petersen is a senior print journalism and Spanish major and Showcase editor of The Spectator.

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