Caps and Gowns

"You're off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!"

- Dr. Seuss

While I don't think Dr. Seuss sets the standard for inspirational quotes, I think it's only appropriate to use his quote in regards to graduating college. After all, my education was started off reading books like Hop on Pop and ABC's. I owe a lot to Dr. Seuss. 

I'm sitting at my desk DONE with finals forever (or until a few years down the road when I forget how horrible tests were and decide to subject myself to grad school). I picked up my honors distinction today and I can't believe I made it this far! Not gonna lie, when I chose the U of A, I kind of thought it'd be an easier four years than if I went to say, Stanford. But after making it through, I'm not entirely convinced state schools are that much easier if you choose to challenge yourself. Anyway, I digress.

I was thinking back to freshman year, and if I were to write a letter to myself as an entering freshman what I would say. So consider this my advice to any entering college/my manifesto of sorts on how amazing the U of A has been. :)

Congrats! You've made it through high school. You think the hard part is over? Think again. But before you start stressing out, take a deep breath and smile because you're about to experience the best/hardest/most challenging yet rewarding four years of your life! Alright.

First of all, kudos on choosing the U of A. Yes, you could've gone out of state, you could've gone to a private school, or you could've gone to one of the other public schools in Arkansas. I don't think that you realize how much better off you are for choosing to make your home in Northwest Arkansas, though. We are THE state school. We are the one and ONLY Razorback. We have pride in our school, in our sports (sometimes...) and in our institution. I, who never wanted to be a Razorback in my life, am now a proud fan and alumni. I, who hated Arkansas with all I had in me, now vehemently hate all schools that aren't Arkansas in the SEC. I, who said Razorbacks were lame, am currently wearing a Razorback shirt with pride. The moral of this is never say never, because literally what I said "never" to turned out to be the best decision I made. 

Besides the pride of being a Razorback, this school has so much to offer. There are organizations out there like CRU where you can enter in as a scared freshman and leave a senior with the wonderful blessing of being able to lead a bible study, disciple girls, and be an involved leader around campus, seeing people come to Christ day after day. You can become an RA and impact the lives of freshman- encourage them that their place is here if they only look, and college isn't as hard as they think it is. You could be a student ambassador and tell people the history of your campus and show off the beauty that is Fayetteville in the Spring and Fall.  You could join a Greek organization or you could join the Dr. Pepper club. You can do ANYTHING! Take a chance, take a step out and discover your niche. God has one for you, and if one thing doesn't work out, try again. I wouldn't have found my place if I hadn't tried a few things first.

Friendships. They'll change your life. Choose wisely, because the friends you pick will determine who you will end up being. Surround yourself with those people who will encourage your walk with God and point you to him daily. I was blessed to find some forever friends and I couldn't be more blessed. Yes, there's been rough times. Friendships are work- and sometimes you treat your friends like crap and they treat you like crap. They disappoint because they're people too- but hey. You always have your family and Christ and your friends will always come back to you.

Invest your time. Don't waste a minute. From nights spent on Mt. Sequoyah, endless nights eating popcorn and just watching movies, camping adventures, mini roadtrips to Devil's Den late at night, to running half marathons, football games, eating your way across Fayetteville's fine restaurants, studying abroad (best four months EVER), and "hanging" around Fayetteville in a hammock, there should never be a "boring" night. College and each day is what you make it and there is SO much joy to be found in the ordinary of a quiet night or beautiful day. Seriously though, don't waste a second because it flies by. 

Lastly, pay attention in class. Your professors will help you if you let them. They'll connect you to jobs, to your passions, and they'll help you figure out what you want to do with your life. They'll challenge you and push you in ways you didn't know you could handle and you'll make it out thankful for every tear or frustrated text to your mom you ever sent. Professors and classes aren't actually that bad and you might be surprised the kinds of things you'll learn!

Enjoy your four years, it flies by entirely too fast. Next thing you know you're sitting crying at your computer because you've started to realize that this is truly the end of something great and life will never be the same again. Cherish it. Cherish the people and the moments, both big and small. They are the things that string together to make college so magical and life truly sweet. I can't even begin to express all that I've learned and all that I've experienced. Thank you, U of A. I can't believe I get to be a Razorback alumni for the rest of my life.

Jackie