I Think It's Contagious

Who put all the calendars on fast-forward? No, seriously. Stop that.

Things are moving at a breakneck pace with no sign of slowing down anytime soon. And to top it all off, I think I've caught some sort of disease. For the past few weeks, I've been getting an odd feeling in my stomach, then my throat constricts, and my chest starts to feel like it's going to explode. I explained the symptoms to a friend. Apparently they're called "emotions", and there is no known cure. They might be contagious, so I understand if you avoid me for a while.

Not photoshopped.

It's like some sort of prepartum depression circulating among graduating seniors and their friends. People are tossing around the word "last" like cheap beer on spring break. Last class on a Tuesday, last time studying in Pickler, last AYCD (that stands for all you can discuss, Mom), last Sodexo meal, etc. There's a big "last" cloud hanging over everything I do, and it's making me feel things.

In all seriousness though, the idea of graduating is making me feel somber. High school graduation was not at all like this. I had spent too many awkward years in Camdenton, and I was ready to move on to the next thing. There were tons of people to be missed, but I knew for sure that I was prepared for that next stage in life. Now, I can't help wanting to hold on to college culture for as long as I can before making that next big leap. True, I know it is definitely time to move on. I've been in school for 18 years, so I am eager to see things from the other side of the desk. Plus, three years is a long time to live in the same small apartment in Kirksville. A very long time. Then again, this place has been the first I've been able to call my own. I paid for it with my own sweat and blood, and I do...did...think of it as my home. I'll be sad to leave it.

Perhaps I seem more concerned with leaving things/places rather than people. There is some truth to this, but for a very good reason. The people I've taken the time to get to know here at Truman are some of the greatest people I have ever met. So I know that the 11th won't really be good-bye. It sure won't be the same, but I'm looking forward to meeting up with my friends over the years and enjoying the changes in each of our lives. I am extremely lucky to have met such genuine people whom I can expect to see for many years to come. So for now, I'll just deal with my good-byes to Truman, my apartment, and the college lifestyle. I think that's all my disease emotions can handle anyway.

-Anthony