Wow, can you believe it? I sure as heck can't. Just three and a half SHORT years ago, I was excited about graduating from high school and leaving Florida to attend school in Charlotte, North Carolina. Now, with just one semester left, I am making the best out of my time before graduation in May and signing papers to start my new life in Detroit, Michigan to work at Ford Motor Company.
With graduation, work and this last semester on my mind, I've been thinking a lot about how far I've come as a student and person at Queens. I've been shaped, molded, taught to think outside of the box and experienced just about all that a 21 year old could ever dream of. To ponder or even think about leaving this place is so bittersweet. On one hand, I've never been more prepared for the next step of my life, but never been so sad to leave a place that has truly become a home for me. Not just home because I have an address in Charlotte, but home because of the family I have made over the last four years.
It's being home for the holidays, of course, has provoked me to think about all of this. Between reuniting with old friends, spending time with my actual family and getting to drive around the place where it all started for me really helps you put things into perspective. On that note, since I've been home, I've managed to rummage through some of my old high school stuff that just blew my mind. For starters, I found my acceptance letter to Queens followed by my letter of interest from the lacrosse coach and a few other minor things that made the difference in my decision. I always write about my future at Queens, but what about when the future only included making the drive up to move in for the first day of orientation? Time flies doesn't it?
Whether you are a freshman, senior or prospective student, the next few years will fly right by which is why I will go ahead and make a suggestion. Take it in. ALL of it. Don't leave anything to chance when it comes to this university because it is a wonderful place where your dreams can come true. Queens has given me and countless other students the opportunity to take the next step of their lives with confidence and enthusiasm. Take it for what it is worth and be the leader that people respect for years to come. Take part in every event, join the clubs and go to sporting events. Stay up too late watching movies and studying or sit in Trexler and talk till 2 a.m. Four years isn't long enough so make the best of it and take advantage.
I apologize if this seems like a rant or me on some kind of soap box but it's the truth! I could write about every event on campus, show you photos of Midnight on Ice (HUGE success) or talk about my exams (which went well!!!), but there is enough info on the web site and on other blogs to take care of that. I feel that at this point in my time at Queens, this is the kind of information that will be the best value to someone looking to start their lives at Queens.
All in all, I just can't say how much I am going to miss this place and how fast it has flown by. With 7 semesters, 1 study abroad trip, countless traditions, 2 internships and almost 4 years of college sports down, I have been doing what I can to make the best of what I have left. Despite the run I've had so far, there is still something more and a little left in the tank to get me there. Until next time, have a very safe and happy holiday break whenever it starts. Please feel free to e-mail questions or leave a comment! tyler.rauch@qmail.queens.edu
Have a great night and if you are anywhere but Florida than STAY WARM!
