Taking the time to sit down and write this last entry has been a challenge for me. In part because I am a chronic procrastinator, but also due to the fact that I am miserable at saying goodbye to things. Especially things that I do not want to say goodbye to.
Four years ago, almost to the day, I decided to commit to Arcadia University as a Global Media major. I remember the moment I got my acceptance in the mail, it was the last one I received and I had been feeling more than overwhelmed with the whole process of going to college because until that moment nothing had felt right. However, as soon as I got that letter something just felt right. I’m happy to say that deciding to come to Arcadia, more specifically to the media & communication department, has quite honestly been the best decision I ever made.
When I came in my freshman year I, as most first years, felt a little terrified and completely lost. I remember being so nervous after my first day of video one with Alan because I had never heard of adobe premiere – let alone used it. The imposter syndrome set in, strong. However, I started to learn quickly, I was so fascinated by everything I was learning, and I was absolutely enamored with the creativity and talent of my peers.
Cut to my sophomore year, I made probably the second best decision(s) of my life, getting more involved in the department through work study in the fall and joining the locomag staff in the spring. At the time they seemed like two fairly insignificant choices; I was excited to have a work study on campus instead of off campus through the CCEC and I thought Loco would be fun to take for a semester. Looking back now, I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t made those decisions. I know this goodbye wouldn’t be nearly as hard as it is now, but what’s the fun of an easy goodbye?
My junior year, I was abroad. My fall was spent in Brisbane, Australia and my spring in London, England. I won’t bore you with the details of how life changing and amazing my experiences were (I’ve written that topic to death already on my own blog) but I will tell you how being abroad made coming back for my senior year that much sweeter. While I was away, I continued to stay connected with Arcadia at home. I published two video series for locomag (Allora and I were almost murdered in London filming one of them), emailed with Dr. Deshpande about a documentary I loved from my film class in Australia, and shared my This Is series with Alan. By the time I was home for the summer, I was eager to get back on campus for my senior year.
Coming back for fall semester, I was more excited for school than I had ever been in my life. I couldn’t wait to be back in Murphy 108 for class, to see all my friends on campus, and start my thesis. Personally, academically, and everything in between, fall semester of my senior year was hands down the best semester I ever had. I remember leaving in December for break, sitting in my car in the Oak Summit parking lot unable to believe how much fun I had had. I wish I had it all on video so I could replay it every time I get upset about our current situation. I want to always hold on the joy and laughter and accomplishment that fall semester brought me.
Obviously, spring semester threw us all for a loop. I don’t really want to spend much time dwelling on that in this post. I’ve dwelled enough at home from about 2:30-4:30 am each night. What I would like to take the time to talk about is how incredible this department is. I have never felt so proud to be a part of something in my life. Like I said, coming to Arcadia my freshman year I was entirely unsure of myself, running on a gut feeling that I was making the right decision and nothing else. Thankfully, my gut was more than right.
The faculty that make up this department are more than top notch. I don’t even think I have the right words to do them justice. Having professors that truly care about their students and do everything they’re capable of to make sure we can succeed is what college is about. From the snacks Lisa left out for us to make sure we all ate something healthy, to Dr. Deshpande advocating to bring back Arcadia’s study abroad program with the University of Westminster, to Alan making sure everyone’s work was shown or displayed, to Michael always reminding us to do the work, this department has been the definition of caring about students. And I for one am better for it.
So, thank you to every person who was a part of my four years in this department. I am so lucky to have gotten to know you all. Lucky to have learned from you. And eternally grateful for every second of the past four years I’ve spent with you.