So, it finally happened.

So, it finally happened. All of my assignments are finished and turned in and I graduated. It was definitely a weird feeling having the cap and gown on, seeing all of my friends from over the years and knowing it was the end of the road. I've been at home for about a week now. I've helped several friends move into new apartments, went shopping with help from graduation gifts, applied to jobs, and finally scheduled my first interview. It isn't exactly the job I was hoping for, but, hey, it's a job, and its one step closer to being a member of the "real world". Since I didn't have a chance to say it to every graduate I've known or seen around campus or didn't know at all: Do well and do good in everything you encounter. You deserve all of your success. Congratulations!
Lindsey Gouvin. June 1, 2006

Well, it's final...

Well, it's final, I am a collge graduate! The whole weekend went by so fast. I went to the Commencement Ball with my friends, which was a blast! Then I went to the Commonwealth College graduation on Saturday. But Sunday's graduation was really anticlimactic for me: Why did no one throw their hats up? I think that was the missing part of the ceremony that would have made it feel more exciting and real. So now I am home and packing to go to Greece. I am tired and do not want to sift through all of my bags to find things that I want to take with me. Oh, the day is so young, but it will be over before I know it. I really don't know how I feel right now about any of this. I need more time to process this change in my life.
Vicki B. May 29, 2006

Will I be what I dreamed I could be?

Today undergraduate commencement, well, commences. I get to wear the hat and gown and stand up to be recognized for four years of hard work. Never mind the one yesterday where my name was called and I recieved my gold cord. The days have been marked with flashes of cameras and hugs from family and friends. A bittersweet sense comes over me, the days are hot thankfully. At night the dorms are empty and quiet, I am left alone with my thoughts. Will I be what I dreamed I could be? What happens if I turn out to be something I don't want to be? I can hear the lawyer jokes now. It all seems so surreal to hear that I have achieved so much, it all seems like so little comparatively to others. My room is slowly looking more and more like an empty shell of what I used to see every day. As the room empties so do I. I feel like I am losing part of myself. There are people who I have grown close to that I may never see again. Although I try to deny those thoughts they seem to creep up on me as the bells in the old chapel ring out the late hours I seem to be keeping. I will miss them dearly and carry their memories with me. I can only hope that I am remembered fondly and that where ever life takes them, that they are happy and healthy. Congratulations to all the Graduates, pat yourself on the back, you deserve it.
Cameron Methner. May 28, 2006

AH! This is it!

So Commonwealth College Graduation is Saturday...and since its 12:00 am Friday morning, that means tomorrow. I'm freaking out! Since classes ended (no finals this semester for me, because life is fabulous!), I've been working at Six Flags non stop. Literally. I've had no time to prepare at all and when I did get the chance, I swear I almost had a panic attack because I noticed that the shirt I'm planning on wearing to graduation had a small dirt mark on it. Also, I need to read over the instruction packet for graduation...I don't even know where we are parking. Wait, does any other school have graduation instruction packets?? AH! This is it! Four years ago I was wondering what it would be like for this time to roll around and now I really need it to roll a little bit slower!!
Keon Ruiter. May 25, 2006

I'm officially DONE

I'm officially DONE. I turned in my manuscript to Commonwealth College, I took my last final. I gave the furniture I don't want to Amherst Survival Center for a sale they're having soon. I have three boxes packed. It's really happening! I just found out, though, that I have to be at the Mullin's Center at 8 a.m. for the "Celebration of Excellence" (aka Graduation). Not cool, considering the Commencement Ball is the night before until 1 a.m.. Oh well, I guess it's REALLY the last night as a college student! The Ball is going to have horse and carriage rides! I'm so excited. It should be good, there's at least 400 people going. So, instead of trying to find a place around here to eat after graduation, my stepmom suggested that we do a catered picnic lunch. I found out Panera caters, so now we're having a catered lunch at the Emily Dickinson Trail. It's really beautiful, if you're graduating and you never knew about it, you didn't explore Amherst enough.
Hannah Drake. May 25, 2006

I survived all four years in a dorm

So we're really nearing the home stretch now-- only two days until Commonwealth College graduation and three days until the Undergraduate Commencement. I don't even feel like everything is coming to a close for good. I moved out of my dorm room on Tuesday (yeah, i survived all four years in a dorm, crazy!)... but this is the first year I moved out and I wasn't really done. I still have all sorts of things to do at UMass- turning in that one final assignment, Commencement Ball, two graduation ceremonies, saying goodbye to friends, and making that final stop at some professors' offices. I'm excited to have some time when I can wake up, do my errands for the day, and come home to relax-- no worrying about what assignment is due when. I'm also excited to see my family and friends at the post-graduation celebration at my Mom's. Here's to hoping everything continues to run smoothly...
Lindsey Gouvin. May 25m 2006

This giant campus won't be mine anymore

I went to my boyfriend's graduation at Westfield State this past weekend and it got me thinking even more about my own upcoming celebration. Seeing all of the Westfield seniors wearing their caps and gowns and hoods (why don't we get hoods!?!?) made me feel excited and even a little jealous. I want to graduate now. I handed in my final, very last assignment today to the Commonwealth College. It was bittersweet. I found myself walking around campus aimlessly. I was lethargic. The weather was beautiful and for once this semester, I wasn't rushing around to be somewhere or get some kind of errand done. I was reluctant to walk to my car, stopping at every poster and sign to read. It's eerie thinking that this is it. Sure, I'll be back next year for grad school, but that is centralized and smaller. This giant campus won't be mine anymore and I won't have reason to roam around it. It's funny, when I first came here I thought that the campus was huge and that I would never understand how to work my way through it, but as I aimlessly roamed through it, I noticed how I've come to learn all of its secrets. Just this year I found out about the tunnel beneath Bartlett and Herter. That would have saved me so much agony in snow and rain in the years past! And now I'm left with the question of what to do now that I'm home with no homework or exams to study for. It's odd preparing myself for a night in front of the TV. Now all I've got is work to focus on, and even though school means homework, I think I'd rather be at UMass.
Keon Ruiter. May 22, 2006.

I think I just got a job today

I think I just got a job today! I went on this long interview on Monday and they said it went really well. I told them that I would be unavailable until the 19th because I will be in Europe and that wasn't a problem! That totally lifts the burden off of my shoulders, I have something to come home to. This week still doesn't feel like the end of the road. I forgot it was finals week all together even though I know I have a final on Wednesday. I have so many random errands to do to get ready for Greece. I need to study all day tomorrow if I want to go out Tuesday night. I think I am finally looking forward to moving on from my undergrad experience.
Vicki B. May 22, 2006.

Last night was spent at a toga party

So the time is running short and there are only a few days left. Oddly enough last night was spent at a toga party. Now one would think every college student would walk away with the knowledge of how to make and wear a toga; sadly that is not true. Not only was it a rather difficult process but it also included looking up online how to make a toga. Very sad. But it was my last weekend night where many of my friends would see each other again. Well besides graduation parties and the like. I feel like people need to make more of an effort to say goodbye or hang out before they leave. I know I have been trying to because I am going so far away. Enough sad stuff already, I have a choice to make. Either go to law school in California or in Oklahoma. I seem to be leaning more toward California. But who knows I need to make my decision rather soon since I have to send them money and committ to one. I also have to start moving my stuff. I am sharing a storage place with a friend so that the cost is not to great and then I can come and visit up here again to see people. But now I have to work on a paper that is due on Wednesday. After this one, just one more. The rentals are coming on Wednesday too, so strange to have parents here and have them stay for awhile. Makes me feel like the college bubble is going to pop early.
Cameron Methner. March 21, 2006

I figured graduation is a big enough occasion

There are only a few days left of my undergraduate time at UMass... I was back on campus Thursday to tie up some loose ends. I had to get a test back from my Journalism and Law professor and then get my tassle from the school of education. Finally, I headed over to Goodell to the Writing Program presentation where we had our final writing center meeting of the year and said goodbye and thank you to our assistant director who has been like an older sister to me. It's great that she is moving on, but again, it brings this whole senior thing to light. Goodbyes are inevitable. My friend Stef and I bought her a cute coffee table book about secrets for the meeting, and I also received good news that I am being hired as a graduate tutor in the writing center next year! Later, after work, I went to Kohl's and picked out a wicked hot graduation outfit and new shoes. I haven't gotten new dressy shoes in a while, and I figured graduation is a big enough occasion to warrant such a purchase.
Keon Ruiter. May 20, 2006

I picked up my cap and gown on Wednesday--so exciting!

I picked up my cap and gown on Wednesday--so exciting! I can't believe I'm really graduating. The closer I get to being done (one final left!) the more excited I get to start a new part of my life--being totally independent, living in an apartment I can actually spend some money on because I'll be there indefinately, making real money. I saw two of my journalism professors today and one of them, Nick McBride, told me he better see me at the journalism breakfast. So I guess I'm getting up early to go hobnob with my professors, haha. I'm not going to the undergraduate commencement, but I am going to the Commonwealth College graduation the day before when I will get my name announced. I'm about to head off to Wheaton, where two of my best friends will graduate tomorrow. I'm so proud of everyone!
Hannah Drake. May 19, 2006

14 days left, 13 days left...

It finally hit me yesterday that I only have one more week at UMass Amherst! I wasn't thinking about what the numbers meant when people said we only had 14 days left, 13 days left. I'm definitely glad to go because I can not do anymore work, I just can't! I don't feel like my UMass experience will end with graduation because I am going to Greece with the Classics department two days later. I am sooooo excited about going back to Europe because my friend Emma and I are going to spend a week in Italy after we go to Greece. We studied in Siena last spring so it will be amazing to go back and see our little medieval town again. We also made some exciting plans to spend two nights in Rimini on the beach! I am counting down the days until I go there, not until graduation.
Vicki B. May 19, 2006

What am I waiting for?

And now ladies and gentlemen, the waiting begins. What am I waiting for? Soon finals will begin and papers will be due. Soon people will start to leave and parents arrive with large cars to help the move. Soon my room will start to look like bare walled cell and soon I will not be here anymore. WOW! How nostalgic can I get? I am going home for the summer and friends from high school will be waiting for me. Will they see a big change? Will they recognize me? Will my parents get on my nerves in the next two-three months? I hope not. I'll be so far from the place I call home that my house doesn't feel like home anymore. It's more of a way-station, a pausing point before the next step. My god this is really happening. Moving out, well that means I have to clean it first, that is gonna be the best part. I hope the sun comes out today, or I have a feeling I may not be.
Cameron Methner. May 17, 2006

In the blink of an eye I am an adult

I am sitting in my dorm room sitting in front of my computer as Bob Marley's "No Woman No Cry" plays in the background. I am staring out the window at the campus on this rainy Sunday afternoon thinking of all the things I will be leaving behind. I am thinking of all the people I have met and will be missing this summer. I am thinking of the atmosphere on campus and the friendly New England faces I encounter every time I walk out of my dorm room. Marley's voice is in the background telling me that "everything is gonna be alright," and although I am inclined to believe him, no one knows the future. Will I keep the friends I have? Can we be so close so far away? Will I be able to tell my grandchildren about how UMass was the best time of my life? Will I ever come back here again? All of these questions run through my head as the smoke from some place on campus puffs into the air and I think to myself, how did I get here so fast? In the blink of an eye I am an adult and going into a new world with endless possibilities. I will never be here at this moment again. So I blink again and turn back to the paper waiting for corrections on my monitor and remember Marley when he says, "No woman no cry" and I try to take his advice to heart.
Cameron Methner. May 16, 2006

Where did I go?

Well, to Phoenix actually. Yes, I spent the last three days in 100-plus degree (and sunny) Phoenix, Arizona. I was there with my girlfriend and her parents. Having three days to just sit around and relax before the final of pushes was great. Before heading out on Friday, I had about four days of pure paper writing, and was able to get most of my last two papers done before leaving. Now I just have a few days to do some last minute presentation prep and then I am done. Come the end of Wednesday, my collegiate career is over. I am so excited that I have no homework in my foreseeable future and that I can avoid writing some papers for at least a while. This finishing up college thing is really conflicting. So great and so bad at the same time. Well, off to finish up the scholastic part of my college career. Take care all you seniors.
Patrick Hernon. May 16, 2006

On top of all of this, I'm helping to plan my Dad's wedding

I'm starting to realize that this whole college thing is actually going to end. My best friend, who goes to Worcester State, graduated yesterday. Even though I wasn't there, it sort of made things real. I've been applying for jobs, which is more stressful than I'd imagined it would be. I still need to finish up some odds and ends, but finding the motivation for that isn't easy. On top of all of this, I'm helping to plan my Dad's wedding for June 18th. Freshman year I thought four years felt like a lifetime-- I can't believe it's all coming to an end. It's going to be a busy couple weeks, but I am having an awesome time...
Lindsey Gouvin. May 15, 2006

It's taken a full year but I have my own manuscript

I just turned in my thesis yesterday. Talk about a stressful week. But I have to say getting my memoir bound, and seeing the finished project was amazing. Then we had our final class at our professor's house, and the 12 of us were all talking about our "books" and referencing the different sections by their chapter titles. It's taken a full year but I have my own manuscript. Pretty incredible. Anyway, I'm moving to Savin Hill after graduation, which is in Dorchester, Massachusetts. I know Dorchester is pretty dangerous, but Savin Hill is next to UMass Boston and closer to Southie than anything else. My dad is freaking out about it because he keeps seeing Dorchester shootings in the news. But where Dorchester is really unsafe is a lot further south than where I'll be living. Ugh. Graduating, well basically ending one part of your life and starting another is so stressful.
Hannah Drake. May 13, 2006

I am handing in my Capstone Project today

I am handing in my Capstone Project today for the Commonwealth College. My Capstone Course is about memoir and has gone the entire year. It feels incredible to be able to hold the final copy in my hand afer a year of writing and throwing away, writing and throwing away. Just four days ago, I threw away 12 of the 40 pages and had to re-write them because what I was trying to say just didn't work out. I joined the Commmonwealth College when I was a second semester freshman because I felt so overwhelmed with the size of UMass Amherst. While it has been an added stress at times with Dean's Book courses and the like, I am so glad I did it. Because of the Commonwealth College, I was able to get myself on track, they helped me find advisors and a major that fit me. This Memoir Capstone has been the most difficult and also the most rewarding class I have ever taken at UMass. It has been a challenge. The next challenge is to hand in my manuscript, and then to continue writing, because far too often, the writing stops when the class ends.
Keon Ruiter. May 12, 2006

I thought my college life was going to be a total bore

My first semester was really tough for me, back in the fall of 2002. I didn't know anyone and was questioning my reasons for commuting. Did I make a huge mistake? My college experience has been extremely different from the normal, expected one that many freshman anticipate: I get up two hours before my first class to get here in the mornings, I did not go out in Amherst until this year, I've never slept in a dorm. But I got used to this and eventually grew to accept that this is how college was to be for me. Now, I have managed to make friends despite the commute and I stay up here when I'm too tired to drive home, I've gotten to go out to the bars, and take part in some extracurriculars. When I was a freshman, I thought my college life was going to be a total bore. I wanted it to end as fast as it could. As far as classes are concerned, im still ready for it to be over, but now, as I reintroduce myself to performing and making friends, I wish I could start from the beginning again, with the knowledge I have now.
Keon Ruiter. May 10, 2006

I think California would be nice, you know, liberal like Amherst but warm.

I am all stressed out. Why? Well besides graduation I have to figure out what I am doing with all my stuff. Living alone is a great way to accumulate things. I have to decide if I want to rent a storage space for the summer and come back at some point before going to law school to drive it out there. Wherever there is. Or another option is to ship it all home, or I could U-Haul it back to Houston. Both options seem like a huge hassle and kind of expensive. Now that I have been accepted to law school though, everything seems so much better. I would like to wait for all my responses to come in though before making any decisions. But that is going to be rough seeing as how I need to give Whittier some money by the 26th of May if I want in. I think California would be nice, you know, liberal like Amherst but warm. I hear it's beautiful. I haven't always wanted to go to law school. The biggest influence have been my parents (which sounds so corny) and my classes here. It gave another side to the law that I never saw before, made it interesting enough to pursue. I am off to get something to eat at the DC and then stick my nose in a book.
Cameron Methner. May 9, 2006

I love UMass in the spring time when everything becomes green.

Oh man, finals are coming up. Right now I am dreading studying for my finals because there is so material that I have to know. I usually just study in my apartment but I seem to waste a lot of time when I study with my roommate! I love UMass in the spring time when everything becomes green. If I were to go outside and study on the grass, I just don't think I will be productive. What I should be focusing on is finding a job. It kind of makes me feel bad that I still don't have anything lined up for the summer.
Vicki B. May 8, 2006

I was accepted to law school!

This past Friday, Cinco de Mayo, was probably the best day of my life. Well so far. First, May 5th was my 22nd birthday. During the afternoon my father calls from Houston. He had a letter from Whittier Law School in Costa Mesa, California. He opened the letter and I was accepted. Least of all to say it was very emotional. The calling of the family ensued and then I was so happy I didn't know what to do with myself.

That night a surprise party was waiting for me, all my friends, and a piñata. It was so sweet and the perfect end to a perfect day. So now that I know that I am not going to end up a lump on my parent's couch for the rest of my life, I have to say I feel a little relieved. Thankfully now all I have to worry about is graduating from college instead of getting accepted into the next stage of my life. Classes are moving swiftly and the dorm is quiet tonight. Soon I'll be in a whole new place and I am not so sure I want to go. I feel like I may lose what I have here and be missing it forever. But there are people who say "change is good." I guess I will just have to trust that.
Cameron Methner. May 8, 2006

Looking back to freshman year, I had no idea, no real expectations

Realizing my days are UMass Amherst are becoming increasingly numbered, it's difficult not to go through a strange range of emotions. Sometimes I feel sad when I'm riding on the PVTA bus through the center of town. I won't miss the bus, but I'll miss the early summer days, Antonio's, Club Sidewalk, The Greatfully Dead drink from Charlie's, running into random people that I know at the bars. Then I feel silly, so the feeling passes pretty quickly. But I've spent four years here, more months out of the year were in the 01002/01003 zip than in my hometown. Looking back to freshman year, I had no idea, no real expectations for how my college experience would turn out. I definitely didn't think I'd be a journalism major-ironically enough I hated social studies and politics and weekly news quizzes, and now those are all areas that intrigue me the most. It's definitely true that people change a ton in college. One of the things my friends and I giggle about is the freshman girls: did we really look that little and young when we were first here? It's hard to believe, but it's probably true. Tips for people who have more than a few days left at UMass: Panera is an excellent place to do homework. That's where I am as I write this. Nice fake fireplace in front of me, and they have outlets so you can plug your laptop in.
Hannah Drake. May 7, 2006

Today was the last day of my pre-practicum

Today was the last day of my pre-practicum at Mosier Elementary School in South Hadley. It was sad because I really grew attached to the kids, even though I only see them once a week. The experience was excellent, it really helped solidify my thoughts on being an elementary teacher. The kids at that age are great! It was hard to say goodbye. I suppose I am going to have to get used to saying that though, especially with graduation only 25 days away. I can't believe that It's so close that I feel justified in counting down!
Keon Ruiter. May 5, 2006

The warm weather makes me feel like I am already done with school

The warm weather makes me feel like I am already done with school and I can relax, but, wait, I can't. I wish I could be care-free and have my future plans figured out like my friend Brian. So for right now I quit thinking about this stuff. I am looking forward to the weekend because I have so many plans and I am ignoring my work.
Vicki B. May 5, 2005

There will be cowboy hats involved

The plans are all set. My family, the entire clan, gang, entourage are all coming my way. There will be cowboy hats involved and that is after asking them to "Tone it down!" The reservations are made and the arrival grid is all filled out, now all I have to do is survive the embarrassment of being the center of attention for a weekend. Classes seem to be doing alright, the dreaded senioritis has yet to kick in, thanks to denial. One thing though that has bothered me recently: why do all the freshman look like they are 12? I mean I feel like an old woman compared to how young they look. Did I look that young to the seniors? It has just made me realize that college has a limited time frame and once the expiration date has passed on you, it's out the door. Still no word yet from the ALLMIGHTY LAW SCHOOLS, but, who knows, they may love me. I hope they love me. Now it's off to procrastinate, I mean diligently work, on homework.
Cameron Methner. May 3, 2006

Hi! I'm Patrick Hernon

Hi! I'm Patrick Hernon, a super-senior who is about to graduate. Five years out here at UMass Amherst and a big part of me really doesn't want to leave. Less than a month to finish up and say good bye to some. Needless to say, it's a weird time. I'll be walking out with a degree in Sport Management and a minor in Psychology. Where I'll be walking is back home to Stow, Massachusetts. I won't be moving home, but to a house my sister is buying in town so that I can spend some time deciding what I really want to do with the next few years of my life. In the meantime, I will finish my last two classes (the benefit of a a fifth year), which I should get started on, and just enjoying the end of a very interesting ride.
Patrick Hernon. May 3, 2006

My name is Hannah Drake

My name is Hannah Drake and I'm from Northborough, Mass. (which you probably haven't heard of). I'm a journalism and English major, and I'm in Commonwealth College. I'm not freaking out about getting a job. I pretty much already have one with TechTarget, an IT media publishing company in Needham. I interned with them over the summer, and they liked me so much that the contracted me for some freelance work while I finish up school. I'm supposed to start as an Assistant Editor on one of their websites—but I actually just applied for an Associate Editor position, which would be HUGE. I'm not getting my hopes up, but that would be awesome. My official interview is tomorrow. Scary! But at least I had an excuse to buy some new clothes for the interviews from Express! After all, it's always important to look the part.
Hannah Drake. May 3, 2006

I just want this to be all over so I can escape to Europe

Ok, so this weekend I went home to go into Boston and speak with a staffing company. Maaaannn, I don't want to make 20k a year! How depressing is that? So now I am really eager to graduate, um not! I just want this all to be over so I can escape to Europe. Everyday I get more and more excited about Greece. Instead of studying for my exam on Tuesday, I am thinking about what stuff I will be doing at night in Greece. Why can't I just live there? I don't know how I am going to make it through final exams.
Vicki B. May 2, 2006

Hi, my name is Cameron Methner.

Hi, my name is Cameron Methner. I am a senior and majoring in Journalism and Legal Studies. I'm from Houston, a Texan through and through. And I am scared out of my mind. Graduation? Are you kidding? I have been in this bubble for four years and there is no way I am happy about that bubble being popped. But after graduation I am back to Houston to try to find a job for the summer. Future plans include- law school. Which one? Not sure, I am still waiting for all my responses to come in. It makes me a little nervous, but all I can do is wait. I have a great deal of work to finish and am willing to get there but who knows what may come in the next month.
Cameron Methner. May 2, 2006

This weekend wrapped up three months

This weekend wrapped up three months of rehearsals for the Emerging Choreographer's Series Dance Show here at UMass Amherst. It's the first show I have been in at UMass and I had the time of my life. I feel that now, as a senior, I have discovered something that I absolutely love and I wish I had explored dance sooner. The friends I made and skills I learned made the show the best thing I have done on campus. I haven't performed on stage much since high school so it was amazing to hear the applause and feel the rush of excitement as the curtain opens. I only hope that I get to do the same thing again next year while I am here for grad school.
Keon Ruiter. May 1, 2006

One of my most authentic college experiences

This weekend marked one of my most authentic college experiences-- a toga party. It was exactly like every party you see in movies. Unfortunately, I have a ton of work to catch up on now. I thought finishing my thesis defense a week ago would make this semester easy, but it hasn't yet. Just a few more weeks, I can't believe it...
Lindsey Gouvin. May 1, 2006

Yesterday was a wake up call for me

Yesterday was a wake up call for me. There are essentially only two more weeks of class and I have projects creeping up everywhere. I have been in the Memoir capstone course for two semesters now where I have continually told myself that I have plenty of time to get my honors project done. The reality is that there are only two weeks left and I need to write and edit at least 15 more pages on top of studying and writing papers for other classes. Not to mention spend time with people that I am not going to see again in a long time after we graduate. Panic is setting in.
Keon Ruiter. April 28, 2006

My name is Lindsey...

My name is Lindsey and I'm majoring in biology, minoring in psychology. I'm from Palmer, MA, a small town about a half an hour away from UMass. I transferred here from Syracuse University during the fall of my sophomore year. Coming to UMass Amherst was one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. Preparing to leave Amherst is sort of a surreal idea -- I feel like it's a cruel joke. I finally came here and became comfortable with it and now I have to leave. I plan to stay somewhere in the area, at least for awhile. I'm looking to get involved in healthcare, but I have no idea what area of it.
Lindsey Gouvin. April 26, 2006

My name is Daniel Cole...

My name is Daniel Cole and I am from Los Angeles, California. I am a Senior Economics major. Most seniors are really excited and happy to graduate, but I'm more sad than happy because I have made so many close friends that I will miss prodigiously. I plan on working in the Northeast after graduation, although I have not yet got a job. Although the past winters have been rough, I'm willing to stay here for a little while longer.
Daniel Cole. April 26, 2006

I'm not going to miss homework

I'm not going to miss homework and writing papers and driving to and from school every single day, but I am going to miss the friends I have made here. Commuting made it nearly impossible to make friends on campus and then this year, suddenly, I got to know so many people. It helps when classes get smaller I guess. But now were all graduating and going back to where we came from. Connecticut, New Jersey, Boston, California... I was talking to my best friend at rehearsal last night and realized that she's leaving for California for good in the middle of June. Thank God for cell phones, but life isnt going to be compacted onto a college campus anymore and I'm realizing now how much effort it is going to take to keep myself pieced together.
Keon Ruiter. April 26, 2006

My name is Vicki B.

My name is Vicki B. I am from Canton, Massachusetts. I am a Psychology major and a member of Commonwealth College. There are only 5 more weeks of classes left which means that I have a major case of senioritis! I come home and find other things to do besides reading my text book. I have not had my car for the last week and a half, which is throwing me off completely. I depend on my car because I am always on the go. It really sucks taking the bus and borrowing my friends' cars. I just want school to be over, including finals!
Vicki B. April 26, 2006

My name is Keon Ruiter...

My name is Keon Ruiter and I am a Journalism major, Education minor from Windsor Locks, Connecticut. I consider myself an alternative student because I am a commuter from Windsor Locks. For the past four years I have driven to and from school every day, an hour one way. People ask me all the time, "Why didn't you just go to UConn?" but to be honest, I dont have a specific answer. There's something about the valley and something about UMass that hooked me. It's almost unreal, thinking about graduation being only a few weeks away. Last semester couldn't have gone fast enough, and this semester is going way too fast! I still have one more year here though. I will be attending graduate school in the School of Education next year. It's scary to think that it really is time to grow up now and move on, but I feel prepared for the challenge.
Keon Ruiter. April 24, 2006