I find this lyric from the song Closing Time quite appropriate for my life right now. Saturday I graduate from Drury with my undergrad degree in religion (and minor in Middle East Studies). I can't even believe that 3 1/2 years have already gone by. Part of me feels like I'm still 17 or 18 year old fairly naive Latesa, but then again I feel like a completely different person than I was when I graduated from high school. Well, I am a totally different person. I actually don't even recognize the girl who came to Drury as a little freshmen. Life experiences in general have a way of changing you forever.
I can't even process the fact that I'm graduating and that this week is my last week ever at Drury. Of course I will still hang out with the girls frequently, but it won't be my "home" anymore. I'm just overwhelmed with feelings of sadness, nostalgia, anxiety, and a little happiness and excitement as well. I do not feel old enough to be out in the "real world" at all. I feel like I didn't apply myself nearly enough in my classes or push myself to my full potential. I know I didn't, in fact, and I regret that now. There's so much more I could have learned if I would have actually pushed myself. Thankfully/Hopefully I will be able to put off official real world-ness (yes that's a word) for a while because I plan on going to graduate school next fall. Until then, however, I must work, and I might be working full time. Money-wise that will be great, but if I get this one job I will be forced to live a lie. I'm comfortable with that for the most part, but I still have pangs of guilt when I think about it. *shrug* I don't have the job yet, so we'll see what happens.
Anyway, as I am enjoying my last few days as a Drury student, I am reminded of the people at Drury who have been my best friends, challenged me, and been there for me when I needed them the most.
Forrest Schaeffer: Forrest and I have also been friends since I moved into Wallace. He has always been one of my closest friends, and when he moved away to KU, our friendship strengthened so much. He is one of my best friends, and I love that we can have intellectual conversations, inappropriate conversations, nerdy conversations, serious conversations, and goofy conversations. I just can't imagine what the last 4 years would have been like without his friendship.
Marie Tracy: We met in Alpha and were decent friends. We really bonded in Intro to Religion with our bitching, and then in the last year she has become one of my best friend
s. We understand each other so well. In fact, I relate to her better than anyone I know in some regards. She can always make me smile. I love talking to her about serious things because she gives me good advice. I love busting into song with her constantly, especially our fave Britney. I love when we're being bitches together or when we both laugh our obnoxious high pitched laugh. Basically, I love this woman more than I can sum up in a concise matter and cannot fathom my life without her in it.Ashley Morris: I don't even know where to begin with this woman. We became good friends right after winter break freshmen year. Through classes we were able to keep in touch on a regular basis, an
d then our friendship grew outside of the classroom. She has been there for me through everything: when I was falling apart or on top of the world. We ponder about religion and philosophy, we talk about painful memories, we laugh about our shenannigans, we have fun together, we bitch about everything, give advice, and offer a shoulder to lean on or cry on. The Mudlounge is our favorite place to catch up or get a drink, or 5. She is the first person who taught me what a real friend is, and I only wish I'm half as good of a friend to her as she is to me. I love her SO much; she means the world to me. I am so thankful for her love and friendship. I know without a doubt, I would not be who I am or where I am now if it wasn't for her, and for that I am eternally thankful.
