Written by: Jordan Hill, Opinions Editor

While VSU has been the center of attention for the past few weeks, it’s been the center of my attention for the past four years.

My college graduation is quickly approaching and I am thrilled. As one chapter of my life comes to a close, I look back at all the great times I’ve had at VSU: skipping class to sleep late, attending free concerts, meeting weird people that have become my best friends. As my college clock ticks, I’m reminded of what I have gained through my time here in Valdosta.

I worked part-time jobs and internships that gave me the confidence and experience to have a job waiting after graduation. Gaining experience during your college career is crucial if you want to survive on your own. Organizations and part-time jobs on campus give you work experience for your portfolio, but also experience dealing with controversy and strife. Those two skills are desperately needed when applying for jobs after graduation.

I’ll be leaving behind editors and writers at The Spectator that I have spent Wednesday nights (and often mornings) with and my professors and mentors who gave me a solid foundation on which to build my career. I complained every step of the way when working on projects, stories and jobs, but each task made me a better person.

This community has given more to me than I could have imagined. I expected college to be stressful with too much work and not enough time, and it has; but it also gave me memories that will stick with me as I cry after my first day in the real world.

If you are still reading this column, I appreciate you sticking with me through the typical college goodbye letter. Your time will come soon enough and I hope you are smart enough to learn from the graduates that have gone before you. This campus and this community is what you make it. If you’re lucky, you’ll take a little piece of it with you.