To Our Readers

I've recently been telling people that I don't feel as though I'm graduating. I much prefer my air of incredulity about the upcoming goodbyes to the somber attitude of a girl who realizes her college days are now fully behind her.

But conveniently forgetting about such an important upcoming event is much easier said than done, and to be honest, I'm starting to lose the ability. Oh, I'm enjoying reminding my younger friends that I'm now homework-free for life--and I certainly don't mind the presents and attention set to come my way--but I have to admit graduating isn't as easy as I thought, or claimed, it would be.

There are far too many people I'll miss saying OHello' to on the Bryan Center walkway, and I'll miss Tuesday dinners with my second family. And somehow I don't ever remember drinking beer at an outdoor concert in my backyard at home. Whether I like to show it or not, there's a part of me that's going to miss Othe good old days.'

I guess graduation is always bittersweet--most goodbyes are. For every memory I'm ready to leave behind, there's one I'd like to take with me. Ending on a high note, I'm told, is always the best way to go out, and this year has certainly been one for me.

I've loved being TowerView's editor, and I'm happy to be leaving it in the hands of such a capable staff next year. This year, I've cemented old friendships and started new ones to last well beyond my Duke days. Finally, I feel like I've gotten everything out of my college experience that it has to offer. And so, though graduation doesn't promise to be the happiest day of my life, it's easier knowing the last four years have been all I hoped them to be.

Graduation, as it turns out, isn't about a specific weekend or a number of credits, and the true graduation requirements aren't for your major, your teachers or your family. They're for you, and once you've accomplished what you set out to do, there's nothing sad about declaring it, and moving on.

So, though I'm sad to be leaving, I'm ready, and there's no shame in that. Congratulations to the Class of 2002--I think we've earned it.