As I am about to embark on a new part of life, reflection on the last chapter is important. That is how you grow, and there are not many periods of time in life where personal growth happens as rapidly as when you attend university. 

Four years goes by in a flash. Time spent in class, work outside the lecture hall, internships, recreation and even sleeping all matter as you progress through your degree. However, the success, or lack thereof, in the classroom is not what is important. 

Yes, passing your classes matters, or else you will be writing letters to your dean pleading to keep your academic standing intact, but it is the personal growth you achieve that makes college worth the price paid. 

Everyone has heard the expression “college is the best four years of your life” at some point in time. That is true, but what are you doing to make it that way? When I first started at Oswego State, I wish that question was something instilled in me. Ponder that yourself. What are you doing to make your life the best it can be? 

For me, it was the media organizations placed in the spine of the Campus Center. WNYO, WTOP-10 and The Oswegonian forced me to grow. That is not even speaking on how I have developed into an aspiring media professional. 

What really has impacted my peers and myself are the relationships that were fostered. Meeting talented people who have similar aspirations as I do are what have given me the ability to see a better version of myself than when I entered Seneca Hall room 1004 four short years ago. 

Those relationships with people who are as motivated as myself breed healthy, friendly competition. If you are not competing, you are not improving. Seeing people I call dear friends achieve personal goals, pass classes or land jobs or internships during my time at Oswego State motivated me to better myself.

And that is the beauty of college life. You will meet people from all different backgrounds and find common ground with some. There will always be a place for someone at any college you attend. It is on you, however, to seek those people through doing the same things you love. It does not even matter what those are. Broadcasting, writing, acting or studying biology will lead you down a path in life where you find your calling or passion. 

When you find that, harness it. Push yourself every day to grow and see the best version of yourself after those four years are up. It will benefit you in the real world, and soon, you will be in the midst of a happy life you know was made possible because you challenged yourself in a variety of ways, all because you went to that club meeting one night on campus. 

Trust me; it will be worth it.