![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.pugetsound.edu\/studentlife\/files\/2012\/04\/IMG_0352.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nGrilling outside with my housemates [even when it\u2019s fifty degrees and drizzling].<\/p>\n
Library-cramming the night before a long paper is due.<\/p>\n End-of-the-year celebrations with friends.<\/p>\n Cribbage matches in the ASUPS office in the late afternoon when the paperwork is finished.<\/p>\n Four years ago, the weeks leading up to my high school graduation were a blur. Between a state championship baseball run, senior skip day, an untimely arrest (it was a mistake, and got taken care of, no worries) and preparing for a Valedictorian speech, I can hardly remember those weeks except for the fact that I know they happened and were exciting.<\/p>\n For the next 15 days, I am taking a different approach. As much as possible, I’m slowing down and appreciating things as they happen rather than post facto<\/em>. I’m literally walking slower, especially through the fir grove on my walks to the S.U.B. Unlike high school, I know how much these last few weeks will mean when I look back at my college experience, how they will serve as the final brush strokes on the incredible, intricate canvas of my college experience.<\/p>\n In 15 days, I’ll walk across the stage and officially graduate. Until that final handshake with Ron Thom, I plan on walking as slowly as possible. I’m excited about what’s ahead (more on that in my next post), and I am not going to spend my last two weeks + one day taking part in any melancholic nostalgia. However, that doesn’t mean I am going to rush to the finish line; there is too much to appreciate and be thankful for between now and then.<\/p>\n 15 days.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 15 days. [forgive me while I stare at that number for a few moments] In 15 days, I will graduate from the University of Puget Sound, barring some unforeseen catastrophe. In 15 days, I will have to say goodbye to … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n