College Comes to an End

Earlier in the semester, a friend of me interviewed me for an article she was writing which I forgot about it until last night when I was up late, trying to Google something, and found the article. I was surprised when I saw that she had actually quoted me, but as I thought about it, it rang true:

“I think college is when many people find themselves and because MHC is such a supportive and empowering environment, students are able to voice their opinions without fear.” 

I could give you statistics on Mount Holyoke College but that would never fully describe the type of community I stumbled upon and am now a proud alum of. In many ways, Mount Holyoke is a fantasy world where strong young women study and speak out without worry of being ignored by everyone in the room or having a joke made at her expense because she has a brain. However, as one of our graduation speakers and alumna, Kavita Ramdas, reminded us of, the world is not always women friendly.

Saying that, I graduated. I have taken four years worth of knowledge and finished in three and a half years. Yes, I am a bit crazy and extremely driven. This is what gives me hope for the future. I know I will achieve my dreams it’s just figuring out the next steps that is scary.

As I have said in past posts Mount Holyoke loves its traditions. So here is a glimpse into my last few weeks of undergrad:

Strawberries and Champagne:

On the last day of classes, Seniors are invited to join the Alumni Association in having two glasses of champagne with strawberries. This marks the beginning of a new turning point. Plus, it’s yummy!

Senior Ball:

Basically, it’s our last party. It’s huge. There was an open bar, black jack tables, photo booth, and a dance floor. I don’t usually go to this sort of thing, but I am so happy that I did. It wasn’t the perfect night but it ended well.

Finals:

I don’t really need to explain. Although, one cool thing Mount Holyoke does is there are scheduled finals-where a room is reserved and professors are typically there to answer any questions that may arise-and self-scheduled exams. Self-schedule exams are awesome because you choose the time slot, pick up you exam, go to a classroom, take the exam (2.5 hours), and return it. This is great because it really holds true to the spirit of Mount Holyoke and the fact that we support our Honor Code.

Senior Week:

People are left to their own devices and all underclassman have moved out of the dorms. I had friends who traveled. I stuck around the area and had a couple day trips.

The Final Count Down:

Everything began on Wednesday. My friends and I went to make s’mores and then went back to my dorm where we sat around and had a few drinks.

On Thursday, we were welcomed into the Alumni Association and received our silk scarves. My class year is the Green Griffins so are scarves are green and griffins all over them. Then we met our Grandmother class (1963’) before going to the senior BBQ at the President’s House. After some food, we went to our “Last Lecture” where five selected professors/faculty/staff members gave us our final lecture and advice about life. There was one who sang us a Beyonce Song: “I was here.”

Early Friday morning, we all filled into the gym and had rehearsal. Grades were in our mailboxes and we had our last M&C’s (Milk and Cookies).

Early Saturday morning, all of the students were dressed in white and a part of Laurel Parade. We marched from one end of campus to the grave of our founder, Mary Lyon. We sang songs and looked like a cult. It was great! Then we had a picnic and went to the open houses where parents were able to meet professors. That evening, we went to Baccalaureate and listened to speakers. People cried and hung out with friends.

Sunday morning, I got up early and graduated. I walked across the stage with my peers (675 total) and we officially received our BA. It was a bittersweet week but I have fond memories.