Farewell to Class of 2016

This is it, the end of the beginning for many graduating seniors. The day dreams which students in fancy form will soon fade before reality. They are off to take the skills and lessons they have absorbed here at Hood and apply them to ‘real life.’

Graduation from Hood College is both a big thing and a small thing in our lives. It all depends upon the attitude and thought you give it. With graduation is the end of all that went with college life — the students, the parties, the fun. Even with aspiring and hopeful thoughts for the future, the life ahead to many students is a terrifying and ambiguous prospect. This idea usually leads to a sad and tearful departure.

It’s easy to identify with these fears, though. In spite of everything, I suppose it’s natural for all of us to feel that way at some time or other. Our college years are, indeed, full of new, rich and joyful experiences — though to say it’s an easy journey would be a gross, untruth. For most students, college plays such an important role in defining who they are.

There were good times, ideal moments; there were moments of worry, anxiety and lack of self-confidence. As graduation draws nearer. It all gets rolled up into one memorable experience — and experience is hard to part with. Perhaps, in the years to come, it will be as tough for the rest of us, as it will be for the seniors.

Give graduation monumental importance if you want, but don’t be sad about it. Certainly college was a superb part of life that’s over now, but the life ahead can be just as magnificent. College was once something new — a trail of adventure — and you got through it pretty well didn’t you? (Perhaps some of us had better wait until after finals.) Let it be the same for what’s ahead.

And anyway — though you’ll never re-live these years at Hood College again — you’re not really going to be separated from it. You’ll always have it in wonderful memories. You’ll feel it in your person — your character, your attitude, your philosophy of life. We at the Blue and Grey bid you a happy and a pleasant graduation and wish you the best of luck in whatever you undertake to accomplish in your futures.

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