Keene Equinox

Issue date: 5/8/08 Section: Opinions

Media Credit: The Fresh Prints

It's hard to not sound cliché when the end of an academic year comes up as a topic.

Somehow at every meal, in every class and on every walk, a person feels that they must mention that in a matter of days we'll all be packing up our rooms, that some people will be graduating and that others will be leaving for other schools.

It has gotten to a point where I'm slightly annoyed at the mention of such things, just because I've heard them over and over, but it's hard to not want to talk about it.

We're all affected by the ending of the year because we all know someone who isn't coming back or is graduating.

There is the prospect of going a season without seeing all the strange and wonderful people we have come to accept as members of our campus.

I know I'll often pause from scanning groceries or cleaning up broken ketchup bottles and smile at the thought of longboarders, a cappella singers, geocachers and drunken faces. Hopefully, most will be there when I return to campus in the fall but I know some of them will not be.

A lot of students will probably not return because they feel college wasn't for them, while others will drop out due to their poor grades.

I feel that if someone can make it here at Keene State College, they know and understand the responsibilities that come with it.

All too often I hear of someone who is leaving because they don't feel like they fit in here, which happens but I think, more often than not, it has to do with the individual.

It's crucial to open yourself up during the freshman year of college and though it's a little late to mention this now, it can stand as a piece of advice for incoming freshmen.

I feel I've really maximized my time while I've been here and I think that greatly contributes to why I feel this school is a perfect place for young minds.

I joined a school organization within the first few weeks. I applied and was accepted into an honors program, I took a work-study position and most importantly, I let myself venture outside of a familiar zone.

Because of this, I've had the opportunity to write (something I absolutely love doing), meet prestigious people, become familiar with alumni and campus events and, this is the take home, feel completely content with where I am in life.

This campus was a completely new place to freshmen: what other choice is there than to get out there and make friendships?

If you're an introverted and sort of meek person, try and go out a little more. Attend events, talk to your professors and if you get up enough courage, go to a couple parties. Who knows, you might actually enjoy it.

The more socially free you are, the more opportunities will arise for you here.

Generally, the end of the year allows time for reflection. Chances are that at some point soon, perhaps while putting away that Spring Weekend shirt or taking that final look back before driving home, you'll have a philosophical moment where you think about what you got out of this past year.

If you don't gather much from your experience here, then don't fret; there is always another year.

I feel like those who have spent their four years here must have gotten something out of this place or else they wouldn't have stayed for so long.

As I frantically run around trying to study for three hefty final exams, fit all my clothes into a huge plastic bag, rip down my Bob Dylan poster and attempt to have that last hurrah, I'll keep the people of KSC in my mind.

Three-and-a-half months away seems long, but I know I've got all the time in the world ahead of me to spend my days where I belong.

I hope that you are able to find the same.



Corey Smith is a freshman majoring in journalism. His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of The Equinox.

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