Three years have come and gone during my time at Gannon University seemingly in the blink of an eye.
I thought high school flew by, but college has been flipped to warp-speed. When the class of 2015 strolls across the stage in May, each graduate’s childhood comes to an end.
Time becomes money. It’s a part of growing older and wiser, but college marks the last moment that an individual is completely free.
Life only keeps on getting busier. The amount of responsibility that I have taken on since my first walk under the archway has been dramatic.
It really hit me this year when obligations to work, studies and the newspaper kept me from playing on the Gannon hockey team after playing my freshman through junior years.
Losing something that has been a source of identity has been painful, but the sacrifice I ultimately made for my future will be more valuable.
This may have marked the end of my competitive hockey career, but there will be plenty of bar league roster spots looming in my future.
The disappointing realization that I would no longer be playing sports with any real meaning left me to pondering the fine line drawn between taking your college years seriously and having fun.
Freshman year was used as a time to start positive habits, make friends, learn about myself and have a great time in the process. I highly recommend that all younger students take advantage of their time and opportunities that are right in front of them.
I have watched friends fall into slumps for months and essentially waste precious time to live life to the fullest.
When you’re in college it’s easy to understand that you are involved in at least a four-year commitment, but it’s difficult to gauge how much time has passed.
I know that nearly 3 1/2 years of my life have been invested in becoming the best person, learner and writer I can be. I have noticed the biggest change in putting others’ needs before my own.
Everyone is inherently selfish as a form of self-preservation and it can be a struggle to develop a giving and selfless personality.
I have made huge strides in transforming into the person that I want to be. Graduation may mark the end of childhood, but it doesn’t signify the end of learning and improving my character.
Perspective is important when looking at the end of college. It is often a time of sadness because a chapter of your life is coming to an end.
I look at college as a huge investment in myself. I have been stashing lessons and experience into my brain in hopes that they will guide me to happiness and success.
Graduation is still more than half a year away, but it’s never too early to stop and appreciate the gift we are given each day. You will rarely find yourself in situations where you will be surrounded by so many friends and people attempting to better themselves.
Seize the opportunities presented, get as much hands-on learning experience as you can and make lifelong friendships with many different people.
I won’t tell you that I had no regrets during my time at Gannon because I have, but that’s all a part of learning process. Be a lifelong learner because the best is yet to come my friends.
CONNOR SONDEL
