By Kelly Martin, Toppel Peer Advisor
As I approach graduation, every time I talk to an
underclassman who asks about post graduation plans and how exciting it sounds,
all I can think of is this clip from Billy Madison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvFjDKhyz5Y.
While I haven’t grabbed anyone by the cheeks and urged them to never leave
(yet), I figure the least I can do is impart some of my senior wisdom upon the
youths of UMiami before I leave.
1. Try Everything
This semester I have found myself going on a lot more
spontaneous adventures than I have in past semesters. Whether it’s going to a
bowling happy hour on a random Saturday night, a last minute weekend road trip
to the crystal clear freshwater springs a few hours north, or spending an
afternoon paddleboarding with 20 of my best friends followed by dinner at the
WetLab on the marine campus, this semester has been one big adventure. And it’s
been amazing. But even beyond the random new things to try around Miami, make
sure you also take advantage of everything UM has to offer: study abroad (the
best decision you’ll ever make), join that club you’ve always wanted to join,
take a class just because you’re interested in the topic. You have nothing to
lose and only amazing experiences to gain, so not to copy Nike, but just do it.
2. Keep Things In
Perspective
This one took me until the semester I studied abroad to
fully understand and appreciate. I’ve always been a hardworking student,
worried about every grade on every homework assignment, quiz, or test. A
semester studying abroad taught me that there is so much more to life than one
grade you get. Sure, failing a class can have a significant impact on your
academic career, but there’s a way to balance doing well in school and also
having time for yourself. I got through a semester living in and travelling
around Australia, doing and seeing everything I possibly could, and still
managed to come out with good grades. I’ll admit it, I got a C in one my
classes while abroad (Hint: taking economics in a foreign country is not a good
idea), but that’s the only C on my transcript and it was, and still isn’t, the
end of the world. I have a job and future despite that C, and I have countless
memories from my time abroad that did not involve time spent studying. So take
a step back, put those grades in perspective of the grand scheme of your life,
and you’ll see you have a lot more living to do than studying.
3. Make Your Bucket
List Now
I’m pretty sure every single one of my graduating friends
has made some sort of bucket list. Whether it’s on a giant poster board hanging
in their kitchen, on a note on their iPhone, or even just jumbled around in
their head, everyone has a list of things that they’ve suddenly realized they
need to do before graduation. But sadly, graduation comes so much quicker than
you could ever believe, and time starts to run out. So make your bucket list
now; where do you want to roadtrip (the keys, Disneyworld, FSU for a football
game)? What do you want to do in Miami (go paddleboarding, go to a Heat or
Marlins game, try a new restaurant)? What do you want to do at UM (go to a
Lowedown event at the Lowe Art Museum, go to trivia night at the rat, do senior
walk at a football or baseball game)? Think about it now and make a list,
because sadly, time will run out before you know it.
There’s a million things you can do to make the most of your
time at UM, but I think these three are a pretty good place to start. So best
of luck to the classes of 2016, 2017, and 2018, love every second of it, and go
‘Canes!
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