Farewell Gonzaga, it’s been fun

It has been a wonderful four years here at Gonzaga, but the time has come for me to move on.  I'm still waiting to hear back about a possible job, and I'm still fairly uncertain what my 10-year-plan is.  The only thing I am sure of is that I had the most incredible time here, and am proud to become a Gonzaga alumna.  As a graduating senior, I feel it's appropriate to leave some words of wisdom to those who will still be here and those who will be coming in the fall. 

Take a varied course load when you can.  For many of us, this will be our last time in school, so take advantage of classes that teach things outside your major and University core.  Activity classes are a lot of fun, and give you the opportunity to spend time with friends and get credit at the same time.  Bowling is probably one of the most popular activity classes, but I would also recommend something like drawing and painting, or fencing.  Cardio pump is also a great way to start your day.

Get involved in both the Gonzaga and Spokane community.  You don't need to join every club and organization on campus, but pick a couple that interest you and flourish in them.  College is different than high school because grad schools really aren't going to care that you were in eight clubs, the president of three of them, a varsity track runner all four years, etc. etc.  Gonzaga has a club for pretty much everything, so you can join a couple, meet friends with similar interests, and walk away feeling accomplished, instead of feeling like you spread yourself too thin.  The Spokane community also has a lot to offer, so make sure to get off campus once in awhile.  Take advantage of the festivals, shopping areas, restaurants and nightlife.

Spend a summer in Spokane.  It offers something totally different than living here duringthe school year.  Summers are hot, and the people who actually stay form new groups of friends so you get to meet lots of new people.  Hoopfest — which takes place the last weekend of June — is awesome and a great way to spend the weekend, whether you are playing or watching.  Floating the river and heading to Lake Coeur d'Alene for a day are also great ways to stay cool and relax.

Also important, jerseys are meant to be worn, not chased.  The number of jerseys you catch is not an accomplishment, so save yourself from being the butt of jokes by avoiding this college trap.  It's OK to go through life with the attitude of not caring what other people think of you, but at least retain a little class despite your attitude.

Challenge your professors, challenge yourself, make friends with everyone, go abroad, live off campus and remember that you only have four years to make it all count, so good luck everyone, and thank you for making my experience at Gonzaga the best it could be.