Wait... I'm graduating?

Every so often, Gary Kayye?? CTS likes to remind our class exactly how many days are left in the semester. For a class full of seniors, this tends to be a very bittersweet topic of conversation. We all know the end is near, but placing a definitive countdown in front of us makes the reality hit a little bit harder.?

This Friday, I will compete in my last home meet as a UNC gymnast. I can’t quite pinpoint exactly why, but this particular fact was a turning point that truly made me feel like a graduating senior. Suddenly, all my days feel shorter and I feel an overwhelming desire to savor every last moment with the people and place that I love.?

As I reflect on the last few months, I believe I developed some key strategies to distract myself from the thought of leaving Chapel Hill. I dove head first into job searching on LinkedIn, finding the best reservations for graduation weekend, apartment searching in cities I can’t afford, etc. Now, I stare at the order confirmation screen for my cap and gown, wondering… what now?

Maybe now it’s time to finally take everyone’s advice. My family, friends, mentors, and even managers have told me since August to just “enjoy my senior year” and “don’t worry so much about the future, everything will work out.” I do believe I have taken this to heart from the start, and done my best to soak in all that Carolina has to offer. If I’m truly honest, I know that I can do a much better job at remaining in the present. Or, as my coach often says, “be where your feet are.”

So, on my walk to class this morning I thought about all the Chapel Hill details that I love and cherish, but often don’t appreciate. For the first time, I tuned into the music in the dining hall, counted the number of chimes when the bell tower rang, and took an extra lap around the student stores to admire the plethora of Carolina blue swag. I even tried the ice cream at Lenoir Hall during lunch time… because honestly who decided dessert could only be enjoyed after dinner?

My days are numbered at Carolina and I’m becoming painfully more aware each day that passes me by. I have more words to share about my experience than one blog can handle, but trust me this won’t be the only one. Carolina has truly molded me into the person I am today, and I know many other can say the same. We all leave Carolina one day, but Carolina truly never leaves us.