It was 2017 and the summer was coming to an end. I was in the car with my mother, leaving my hometown in Colorado to move to a place I had only visited twice before.
I remember seeing a road sign that said “Laramie: 9 miles” and instantly panicking. I remember looking at my mother and saying, “You know what? I’m not ready to be in college yet. We should just turn the car around.”
It’s a good thing we didn’t, because my time in college proved to be the most fun and most transformative four years of my life thus far. The amazing memories, solid friendships, classic Laramie restaurants and Wyoming sunsets will stick with me forever.
It’s incredible to see yourself grow so much in such a short period of time. I came to the university as a wide-eyed 18-year-old who knew no one in the town and who had no idea what she wanted to do with her life. I am leaving the university with very cherished friendships, the knowledge that all my hard work paid off, and a much better vision for my future.
I think it’s only fair to leave some advice for incoming freshman who are just as nervous as I was. The good news is, I have plenty!
First and foremost, it can never hurt to branch out and put yourself out there. College is a time for self-discovery and trying new things, so talk to that person you sit next to in class. Go to that free picnic on Prexy’s Pasture. Ask that person that you think is cute to get lunch with you. And trust me, go to all the football games. No matter how cold it is, you will have a blast.
Second, eat the food at Washakie. Even if you don’t love it right now, believe me, you will miss it when you move out of the dorms and have to cook your own food.
Third, and this is the most difficult one, go to class and do your best to not procrastinate. I know, I know, we hear this from our parents constantly and it gets very old very fast. But take it from someone who skipped class and procrastinated and then hated herself for it when she was up until 5 a.m. working on assignments. If you get your work done on time, your sleep schedule will thank you!
Finally, enjoy it while it lasts. Take it all in and don’t take it for granted. College is kind of like the trial before “real” adulthood, and sometimes I wish I had just one more semester to experience. Within these coming years, you might make some of your most fond memories and meet friends that will be in your life forever.
As graduation gets closer, I’m realizing more and more how much I’m going to miss it here. I will miss my friends, the loud cheering at games, that awesome feeling of acing an exam, carefree drives around town after finals, singing the Beer Song, and ending long nights out with food at Almanza’s (sorry, but I will never call it Fernando’s).
But don’t get me wrong, I am more than excited for my future after college. I can’t wait to see where this BA in journalism takes me after all the hard work I put into it. As my chapter at UW closes, a new one opens and I am thrilled to take this next step.
So, Class of 2021, here’s to us. We made it and I am so proud of every single one of us, especially with the transition to online classes these past two semesters. I know that our generation is going to do amazing things and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish.
