By Dylan Smith, Staff writer
When I stepped on Susquehanna’s campus the first time, five years ago, I knew this was the place for me. Despite the doubts I had early on, I stuck it out to become homecoming king and will get to graduate in a few weeks.
It’s hard to believe at one point, I would watch Ellen DeGeneres YouTube videos alone, and sit by myself in Evert for meals in my first year.
Actually, I still do those things but I got involved and now I use those videos as an outlet, not time filler.
De-stressing has been the hardest part of my college career. Working in Athletic Communication, serving as a student ambassador for Admissions, being an O-Team leader and team captain for Orientation, plus being sports director of WQSU, activities and recruitment chair for Relay for Life, and maintaining school work and a social life, I seriously do not know how I survived college. But I learned one thing from all of this. I wasn’t wasting a dollar I put into Susquehanna.
I may not have a job lined up right now, but I’m confident in what I can bring to the table because of Susquehanna. This university deserves a thank you from me, despite my bank account being desolate.
Thank you Susquehanna for bringing wonderful friends and colleagues into my life. This university has been my home away from home for the last four years. I have spent nearly every single break here away from my mom who desperately wishes I was home more.
Thank you to my parents, my brothers, and my family for always being the greatest support system. After spending a shift on WQSU, playing the greatest rock hits of yesterday and today, my family would tune in to listen, bopping at their desks. Nothing is cooler.
Thank you to the classes of 2015, ‘16, ‘17 for breaking me out of my bubble and sparking the fire in me to be the best person I can be.
Thank you Orientation Team for being the reason I wanted to give back to first-year students. I never realized how much I needed the guidance of my OTeam Leaders until I joined and was doing the same thing.
Thank you Admissions for allowing me to be an ambassador for change in the lives of prospective students.
Thank you to the Center of Academic Achievement for letting me be a goofball and being the ears and voice of reason.
Thank you Susquehanna Athletics for showing me my true passion. I can happily say that I graduate with a class that has over 620 wins, potentially over six Landmark Championships and friendships I never thought I would have.
And last but certainly not least, thank you class of 2018. In some way, shape, or form, this class has had the most impact on me because of how motivated we have been in the last years. There are so many friends and classmates that have encouraged me to want and to do more. That is something that cannot be repaid.
To the classes of 2019, ‘20, ‘21 and beyond, I hope if you read this, you feel motivated and encouraged to exceed your own expectations. Your time is coming soon, don’t take anything for granted because you may just find yourself with an extensive list of people who have made you the person you are today.
