The Beginnings of Nostalgia

So I finished my last class in my undergraduate career today at 3:15PM, and I find myself currently full of thoughtful reflection and introspection.  Sitting on my deck in the sun looking out on my beautiful backyard (and desperately trying to forget that my room in the basement is flooded), I'm thinking back to all of the different people I've met, places I've been, and things I've done over the past four years.  Without a doubt, my entire worldview has changed and developed in a way that I never could have anticipated.  I've met some tremendous teachers who have steered me in the direction of a deepened understanding of the world, but also always seemed to let me find my own way.  I've met other faculty who have opened doors for me and pushed me to involve myself in opportunities that have truly opened my eyes.  And how could I forget all the amazing students I've met here?  I've always held a somewhat cynical belief about my generation, but the spectrum of people I've met at UMD - their range of interests, diversity in opinion, excitement to be involved, and dedication to creating a better world - these things have instilled in me a new hope for what we can accomplish. 

What would I say to those who still have so time left here at UMD?  This is a good question, and probably the most relevant one.  If you happened to catch Ali Adler's column in the Diamondback today (Like a Kid in a Candy Store), I think she really got it right.  This is interesting since she's a freshman...no condescension intended, I'm just surprised at how insightful she seems to be in her first year.  Basically, she (and I) encourages students to find balance in their time here at the university.  This is a simple enough concept: not too much play, not too much work right?  But truly striking a balance is a thing of beauty in one's life.  For me honestly, I've come full circle with the idea of balance in my life...over the past four years sometimes it's been a little to much yin and sometime a little too much yang.  So, while you're here make an effort to find that balance and you'll be sitting in my position reflecting on what a wealth of opportunity we have here at Maryland.  Go get rowdy at a UMD football game and then find some peace within the confines of the meditation club.  Check out Art Attack and then go see the jazz ensemble.  Go get some exercise at the free rock climbing wall at CRC and then cap it off with a good book and a nap on the mall.  Sit in on a faculty lecture about peace in the Middle East, or climate change adaptation, or new interpretations of Marxism in the 21st century.  See a movie at Hoff Theater.   Attend a meeting for Maryland Students for Fair Trade.  Go see your professors at their office hours...if you don't think they seem to be very interesting just type their names in to Wikipedia and you'll be surprised.  

The possibilities are truly limitless.  As cliche as it might sound, your time here at college is very much what you make of it.  Don't let yourself be sitting in my position with the heavy burden of regret perched on your shoulder.  I'm extremely grateful for the people I've met and experiences I've had, and I wish you the same feeling upon graduation.

 "Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable." - Sydney Smith

Peace,

Pat