One thing you should know about me is that I’m a crier. Graduations, weddings, funerals, sad movies, happy movies, good songs, bad days—inexplicably perfect moments occur and I’m automatically reaching for the tissue box.
But when I think about leaving Knox, the time hasn’t come yet to cry. Unlike high school, I’m not excited for the next chapter. I didn’t hate my time here. I’m terrified to leave because I love this place. I wanted to be here, every moment. But there’s no slowing down time, and my graduation dress hangs in my closet like one of the horsemen of the apocalypse. Death, probably.
The last few weeks, I’ve been languishing in the glory of a calm senior year in my pretty little apartment, cooking eggs whenever I roll out of bed in the morning and blasting shower music because my roommate graduated in December. But after returning home from my partner’s college graduation, the only thing I could think about was how few days I have left here. In only a couple weeks, I’ll be the one bidding my balcony goodbye and heading off into a future that’s hazy at best.
And so, naturally, the time has come for me to write one last column. One last chance to share my voice, my thoughts, my words with you all. But I find that there is not so much to say, because it’s all been said already.
Over the last four years, I’ve run all over this campus and left my mark on the place. I can only hope the first-years I know now will take what we have made and run even farther. But don’t let us be forgotten, if you could?
To my fellow seniors: as we graduate and leave this place, I want to impart a few words of gratitude and appreciation to you all. As peers, we’ve studied, worked, debated, danced, laughed, and so much more in such a small space. We have learned the most basic lessons of life from each other, and it is that spirit that I hope we all take with us as we move on: that community is essential for growth.
It is the community that uplifts us when we fall, and celebrates us when we soar. We have a responsibility to each other, as human beings, to be there for each other, even when it is inconvenient, even when it is hard, even when it does not benefit you. We have a responsibility to speak up for each other, to advocate for those who cannot do so themselves, to support those who find that they cannot do it alone.
It is not always easy, but that is not the point. The point is that we are all people, and we all deserve rights and equity and safety.
As the rest of our lives begin to unfold, I hope you can think back to your time here and remember it fondly. It has been a privilege to attend this school and to have met, and known, and worked with each of you. I hope that wherever you go, you bring these experiences with you, and share them with everyone you meet.
And if you need them, know I’ll have tissues for Commencement. I’ll be the one with the cap and gown.
