As I was sitting in the last meeting for The Kent Stater, watching staff members give small speeches about how much they’ve enjoyed this semester and cheering for a groundhog running past the window, it finally hit me: Four years.

I’ve been in college for four years, and it sure doesn’t seem like it.

I still remember applying to Kent State like it was yesterday, anxious to take the necessary steps toward my future. I remember going on a college tour the October before Fall 2014 and walking into the student media newsroom. 

“This is where I need to be,”  I remember telling myself.

Franklin Hall has been my home these past few years, especially the last four semesters. I came into the newsroom as a reporter for a class, and soon enough, I became apart of the Stater’s staff as an assigning editor. Then I decided to apply for editor-in-chief, and boy, am I glad I did.

It wasn’t the place that made it home for me, though. It’s the memories I’ve made with the people on staff, from staying up past midnight during production nights to the coffee runs right before meetings. 

Most people are stressed out about graduating in the next week and a half — understandably so — but I hope they reminisce on the memories and experiences they’ve gained throughout their college years.

College takes up a large portion of our adulthood, forcing us to grow and develop skills for our future endeavors. Throughout my college career, I didn’t just work with talented people or create meaningful friendships. 

I ended up gaining what I consider a family.

For most of us, we consider college a step in our life, and that’s exactly how we should picture the future. Whatever any of us do next, whether it’s what we expect or not, it’s a next step. 

To the seniors who are about to walk across that stage next week just as I am, A professor reminded me this week that the end of undergrad isn’t necessarily an “end” at all. It’s merely the beginning and should be treated as such. 

Please remember all the good times you had during these last few years and carry them with you. 

To those I’ve worked alongside this past semester: Thank you. Thank you for making my college experience even better than I could have imagined and helping me grow. You all made this year the best out of my time at Kent State. And thank you for making me cry during the last meeting when I told myself I wouldn’t. 

It’s a bittersweet farewell, but it’s time for the next step.

Lydia Taylor is the editor. Contact her at [email protected].