Surprise! Just when you thought you finally got rid of me, I’m back with what is now officially my last column. So, here we are, graduation – and I could not be more terrified for what comes next or more upset about leaving this magical, wonderful, glorious place called Syracuse University behind.
Rather than looking ahead, where becoming a real, functioning, bill-paying member of society causes an emotional meltdown, I’m allowing myself to succumb to the nostalgia and reflect over these last four years. And in my tried and true last-minute column format (it is senior week after all), here’s a list of things that I’ve learned, discovered and eaten over the last four years:
1. Society can be divided into two types of people: those who partake in spontaneous dance parties and those who do not. Those who do not are likely people you don’t want to associate yourself with. Throw on some Eddie Money, *NSYNC or even a little ‘Call Me Maybe.’ Those who let loose will fill your life with rainbows, cupcakes and butterflies.
But those who are willing to partake in Justin Bieber dance parties are also people you likely don’t want to associate yourself with.
2. Anytime is a good time for Domino’s. If you ignore the shame, the macaroni and cheese bowl can become your best friend.
3. Losing things absolutely f***ing sucks. It sucks even more when you were drunk and know you can’t blame your missing phone, wallet or house key on anyone but yourself. Nothing ruins an awesome night like the memory, or lack thereof, of losing everything. I’m still bitter about losing my camera during the freshmen year jorts party. Those pictures were definitely sweet as sh*t.
4. Wear your heart on your sleeve. This is a little too deep for me, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the saying ‘you’ll regret what you don’t say more than what you do’ rings far too true.
5. With that said, any regret can be cured with alcohol.
6. And with that said, any hangover can be cured by laughing with your friends the next morning.
7. Chuck’s Cafe doesn’t exist in real life. I’ve come to accept it but will always be saddened by it.
8. Pictures. There is no greater luxury in life than having the ability to document anything and everything. I get teased for my obsessive tendency to photograph every single moment, but I offer no apologies. #YOLO.
9. Sayings like #YOLO are annoying when you hear other people say them – insert Internet meme here – but there’s truly no better feeling than summing up a drunken mishap, accidental hookup or failed exam with one simple phrase.
10. They say the friends you make in college remain your friends for life, so if that’s true, I got lucky as hell. Everyone from Sadler to the future to Jerk to Livingston, thank you for the greatest four years of my life.
So long, Syracuse University. You’ve ruined my liver, destroyed a few brain cells and have taken more of my cameras, cell phones and dignity than I care to admit. But you gave me four insane, crazy, absolutely unforgettable years. My universe will never be the same.
I’m glad I came.
Lauren Tousignant is a senior communications and rhetorical studies and writing major. Her column appeared in The Daily Orange weekly. She can be reached after graduation at lauren.tousignant@gmail.com or followed on Twitter at @lauT1.