Graduation Musings
On the eve of concluding my university career & moving back to my hometown, some reflection was inevitable. I’ve packaged some of these thoughts and addressed them to my freshman self. Four years at McMaster University are coming to an end, but not without some incredible lessons inside and outside of the classroom.
Dear first-year me,
Don’t be nervous. Whoever told you it could be a bad idea to move in with a good friend was incorrect. She’s already been by your side for 6 years and she’s not going anywhere. In all honestly you probably don’t realize how much of a difference it will make to have such a constant source of comfort throughout your time here, so don’t ever take that for granted.
During your time in university you will meet many people who have a very different upbringing, different experiences, and different world views than you do. Take every opportunity you can to learn about them and learn from them, because although you may have some insight to offer, your eyes need to be opened as well.
In fact, your eyes will be opened. There is so much that you will learn through your courses — things that will engage your mind and ignite your passion. There is so much that you will learn through volunteering — things that will break your heart and stir you to action. There is so much that you will learn from others — things you want to stay clear of and characteristics you want to emulate.
Because it’s in your nature you will become over-committed. Your schedule will fill up and you’ll start to almost resent some responsibilities. Don’t be afraid to say “no” sometimes, because if you’re not doing a job with joy (which is not necessarily constant happiness), you’re not really doing a service to yourself or to others.
Also keep in mind: school is hard. No more cake-walk high school stuff. Sometimes it’s not fun & sometimes you won’t do as well as you had hoped, but it’s worth it to work hard in order to accomplish your goals & you are not defined by your successes or your shortcomings.
Although you don’t know it you are on a journey of self-discovery. You will learn to be comfortable spending a lot more time alone, to be more in touch with your emotions, and to be more open with others. Vulnerability is scary, but it is by breaking down walls (or at least building doorways) that genuine relationships form.
By the end of these four years you will emerge with a confidence you never even knew you were missing. You will be moving towards a career that you never even knew existed. You will have new friends who make you a better person & memories that will last a lifetime.
You are far from perfect — you will make mistakes. Some things will get the best of you, but they’ll never get all of you. The little flame that’s inside of you will always persevere, even when you forget it’s there. Never underestimate your potential to a make a difference in someone else’s life & never stop trusting that things will work out exactly as they’re meant to be.
Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
