College graduation, it’s crazy thinking about it! I have been a college student for five and half years and it almost feels like I am in a dream or still daydreaming about the day I finally graduate. To be honest, it is a bittersweet time for me and there are a lot of thoughts going through my head, reflecting back at all my nights of staying up late, drinking countless cups of coffee, reading chapter upon chapter of textbooks, discussion boards, and surviving the pandemic it has been a journey to say the least. I transferred here from Madison Area Technical college in the fall of 2020, which as many remember, was a year that no one was able to have a normal college experience, and making connections on campus was tough. Then in the spring of 2020, I joined the Royal Purple Newspaper as the Assistant Campus News Editor which helped me get through the rest of the spring of 2021. It wasn’t until the fall of 2021 that I started to feel I was having a true college experience. I was eventually given the role of Editor in Chief and was given the honor of serving as a Communications Department Ambassador. Now in my last semester I am serving my last few weeks as an Involvement Coach for Student Activities and Involvement and as the Campus News Editor at the Royal Purple. Although I had a few bumps throughout my college career, it has been a privilege to be a part of all these organizations which have brought me surprises, fun challenges, given me opportunities, and the ability to make meaningful connections that hold a very special place in my heart. I wouldn’t change anything about my experience, because of where it has led me today. I am not gonna lie, I had trying times where I questioned whether I would make it through, but with the support of my family, my friends, and my professors I was able to overcome the trials I faced, and it was worth it. College helped me see what I was made of and my mentors gave me opportunities that allowed me to exercise my strengths to show me and the rest of the world what I was capable of accomplishing and for that I am grateful. I am content and I know that when I walk across the stage wearing my cap and gown and receive my diploma, that I have earned it.