I told myself I was not going to get sappy when things began to wind down this spring semester.
The past four years have been interesting, to say the least. I’ve enjoyed my time at Oswego State, but am eager to move on to bigger and better things. I came to the shores of Lake Ontario expecting to continue wrestling, a sport I love that has shaped me into the person I am today.
The halls of Oneida’s third floor will never be the same as they were in the 2011-2012 academic year. Some of us were on MTV’s True Life, even if it was only for a split second. The whole wrestling thing never worked out, but I made some great friends because of it.
I joined the staff of The Oswegonian sophomore year as the assistant news editor. I was not sure what to expect when I came into the office, but I’m glad I joined the staff and stuck with it. I’ve learned a lot in my time here and like to think that others have as well.
Being a Laker is something to be proud of. Our alumni reach across the globe in a network that is continuously growing, and Oswego pride does not go away. I will always be excited for Whiteout Weekend, even if it is now going to be referred to as homecoming weekend.
The most important thing I think I’ve learned here at Oswego State is that your experiences in life are what you make of them. If you have lemons, make lemonade. My experience at Oswego State has been strongly influenced by what I’ve put into it, and I’ve learned by actively doing things rather than sitting back and watching others do things. It’s something I hope will follow me as I move on to future endeavors and something I hope more people learn to do. The answers in life are not always just going to fall in your lap, and it doesn’t hurt to go out and find them.
It’s hard to sum up four years with a few hundred words, but this is my attempt. There are countless Lakers who have been great influences in my life and I’m forever grateful for that. I can also say that I’d be better off never having met certain people, but then again, this whole college thing is a learning experience.
The feeling I get when I drive up State Route 481 from Fulton into the city of Oswego and I see the smokestacks is one that will always make me feel at home. That’s what the land of Oz has become to me: another home.
