Monday, April 20, 2026

The End of College

 In my time at Ohio Northern University, I have experienced much more than I could have ever asked for or accomplished on my own. As I near the last couple of weeks, I struggle to cherish them. I know that the walkability of campus, the ease of access to friends, the locality of everything and the beauty of abundant trees near me will all be gone, and I'll realize that I've taken them for granted. But I thrive in abundant change, and I welcome the next chapter of my life with enthusiasm and excitement. 

All the friends who have come and gone; the memories I've made with them are priceless. I wouldn't trade the anxiety, tears, joy, experience, lessons and stories for anything. Well worth the crippling debt that I'll be swimming in in a couple of weeks. 

I've learned that the advertisements for colleges that are photos of students on campus, hanging out with friends, not really focusing on education, are the truest advertisements. To me, college is about the experience with others more than it is a place of education. Perhaps that is not a good trait, but I will carry those experiences more than I carry any kind of academic information. As I enter the next chapter of my life, wherever that will be, however that will go, I have the influence of these past four years to influence my decisions, personality and work ethic. 

5 comments:

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  2. I love that to you; college is about the experience. I think that is something that so many people can learn from and go by. Good luck with everything you accomplish outside of college. I know it will be great!

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  3. Hi Riley! This is a great reminder. I feel like sometimes I have put and continue to put my identity in my schoolwork. While it is good to try to focus on having good grades and learning, you can learn so much from just one experience. Wishing you the best of luck in your post-grad future!

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  4. Hey Riley! Great read. I love the different perspective that you gave us about the true experience of college, but then brought it back to the beginning and see the advertisements of college!

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  5. Hey Riley! Super cool stuff we got here! Love the interesting perspective of using college as a means of meeting friends and making memories rather than for an education. No one embodies that like you! Great stuff man!

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