As I stand here on the brink of a new chapter, with the echoes of the past two years reverberating through my mind, I find myself filled with a plethora of emotions. Graduation day is not just a culmination of academic achievements, but also a celebration of the countless experiences, friendships, and moments that have shaped my journey through university.

Looking back, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of putting myself out there and embracing every opportunity that came my way. From the very first day, I made a conscious decision to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself fully into university life.

Now being at a commuter school that sometimes looked very different. A lot of the time, people don’t show up to events or have a hard time balancing outside school life, because we don’t exactly live on campus. But I hope future students will understand that it’s about the group of peers and professors you find at those events, regardless of the size of kids in the room. Regardless if it’s awkward or less full than the event you went to last week. Each event opens doors to new experiences and perspectives, which enriched my university journey in ways that I never could have imagined.

For my final blog, I also want to say thank you! Thank you to the peers, clubs, professors, mentors, staff, and blog community who have made my experience at Shady Grove a beautiful lasting memory! From the exhilarating rush of joining clubs and societies to the quiet moments of reflection in the library, every experience has contributed to my personal and intellectual development. It was through these interactions that I discovered my passions for marketing, design, reading, blogging, and so much more! 

As I bid farewell to this chapter of my life, I carry with me not just a degree, but a full heart of memories and experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. Here’s to the journey that was, the journey that is, and the journey that lies ahead. Cheers to embracing every moment and living life to the fullest! 🥂