As the last week of finals in my college career begins I can’t help but think about where these past four years have taken me. I have always been the student to get involved in every opportunity presented to me. I enjoy the challenge, the accomplishments, and the goals to reach high for. College will give you opportunities to throw yourself into something 100% and more into your academics, your classes, getting that next A on your final projects. Every milestone you have will bring you closer to your dreams. As you reach for these dreams just remember these classes are all tools to help you achieve the potential you are capable of.
Milestones should be celebrated, but never forget to value the memories and the people you meet along the way. I have been very blessed in college to meet some of the greatest individuals I have ever met. In my department Family and Consumer Sciences, we have become a family. I will never forget the wonderful memories I had going to Italy for two weeks with five other wonderful women. We not only studied famous architecture, fashion, textiles, and design, but we made once in a lifetime memories and friendships. The NeoCon Interior Design conference in Chicago was another wonderful trip the College of Ag helped me attend. Collaborating with designers around the world and forming closer friendships with the girls in my department taught me more than I ever imagined it would.
From international trips to late night cram sessions in the design lab, I not only learned about design, but I learned about life. Knowledge is valuable, but the friendships you make along the way are more valuable than any test ever will be. Cherish the time you have in college. This is the place you find who you really are. The journey will be rough, beautiful, amazing and rewarding and in the blink of an eye you will be at the point I am now. With graduation only a few days away, I encourage you to take every chance you get in the time you still have here. Especially to all of the students continuing on, I hope you stretch yourself, meet new people, go abroad, take department trips, take time to learn from your advisors, and most importantly make sure the people who have influenced your life know. I have been very blessed to have been a part of this college and am very thankful to everyone who has helped me achieve this milestone. Congratulations to all of you graduating seniors! I hope life brings you only the best.