As the beautiful cherry blossoms bloom and the days become warmer while the nights remain cool, it is an inevitable fact that I must face that I am graduating. Part of me feels like I’ve been waiting forever for this moment and another part of me feels like it was just yesterday that I arrived on campus as an intimidated eighteen-year-old. Swat has taught me many things both academic-wise and just life-wise in general. I’m incredibly grateful for all that I’ve learned here and I’m going to miss Swat. Here are just a few of the things I’m going to miss about Swat.
- The People
I have met some of my best friends here and people who have opened my eyes in so many different ways that I can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am. My favorite professors have been incredibly supportive and understanding of the pressures and stress that Swat students face and made me feel comfortable in the classroom to voice my thoughts. I’ve been able to really grow and learn both as a student and as a person because of the amazing people here. I’m constantly amazed and inspired by the people around me. The people here really make Swarthmore what it is.
- The Crum Woods
This is my safe haven. It’s so incredibly special to be able to go escape into the woods and be surrounded by nature whenever I please. Over the summer, thanks to a grant from Swarthmore, I was able to attend a theater program in New York City which was wonderful, but while I was surrounded by concrete, I couldn’t help but miss the calming atmosphere of the Crum Woods. A walk in the woods instantly relieves stress and I will miss these woods immensely.
- Sharples
Now, I know this may come as a surprise, but I genuinely will miss Sharples Dining Hall. While I have complained about the repetitiveness of Sharples throughout my four years here, I do actually love Sharples. I love how friendly and kind the people who work at Sharples are, I love the consistently wonderful desserts, and I know I’m going to miss the ease of just swiping in and getting a meal whenever I want when I graduate.
- The Campus
Living here for four years, I’ve come to take the beauty of this campus for granted. However, as Spring is here and all of the flowers are blooming, I’m reminded of how stunning Swarthmore’s campus really is. Just on the walk from my dorm to my next class, I come across gorgeous pink petals from cherry blossom trees falling gently in the breeze, bright sunshine yellow tulips, vibrant purple dots scattered across green grass, and so much more. It’s truly beautiful.
- The Big Chair
I simply love her. She is an enigma. Where does she go when the winter rolls around? I notice her absence every time but know not where she slumbers. When she returns, it feels like a long-lost lover has returned from the war, and my friends and I gladly embrace her. She is the perfect place on campus to relax and chill during a beautiful spring day. I don’t know what I will do when I leave campus and I don’t have an oversized chair to sit upon, but I know I will carry The Big Chair in my heart with me wherever I go.
