I graduate in less than 2 semesters. My only reaction to the previous sentence is to cry. Cry because, wow I finally did it. Cry because I love the bears and I don’t want to leave this incredible school. Cry because I still don’t know what I’m doing with my life. Cry because I’ve begun experiencing a lot of “lasts.”
I didn’t realize how many lasts I would have until Fan Fest and Bear Bash. As I walked to campus and saw my fellow students having fun before the stress of classes began, I became really sad. Seeing campus so full of people was incredibly exciting after spending the summer as a SOAR Leader on a seemingly empty campus. Yet, I was sad because I realized it was the beginning of my story’s conclusion here at Missouri State.
In just a short amount of time, I have already gone to my last New Student Convocation, New Student Festival, Belong-B-Q, and Bid Day. So much has already happened and it is only September.
In these last moments, I regret not taking advantage of every opportunity given to me by Missouri State in my past 3 years. I regret not going to every Student Activities Council event, not getting more involved with Tradition’s Council, not being fully present in all of my student organizations.
When you are a student, sometimes it is easy to focus more on building your resume than experiencing the university. Instead of going to events, I found myself doing things that I wasn’t passionate about so that I had an adequate resume, because I wanted to be more hirable when I graduate. While that is important, having a balance of fun and work is even more important. Recently, I realized that my resume would build itself as long as I getting involved in organizations I was passionate about.
Because of this, I wish I would have been more present.
As my last homecoming as an undergraduate student approaches, I wish I would have gone to all of the homecoming events and participated in everything I could. I wish I would have been in the moment instead of waiting for the game at the end of the week. This homecoming, I am making a promise to myself to live in the moment, instead of anticipating the next event.
As my last Public Affair’s Week nears, I wish I would have taken advantage of the speakers visiting campus. I wish I would have gone to as many talks as I could- not for extra credit, but because these individuals are making a difference in our society. When will I ever have that opportunity again?
As my last semester nears and I apply for graduation, I pledge to let my resume build itself. I pledge to be present in the university and within all of my student organizations. I pledge to embrace each of my last moments with an appreciation, knowing that I was privileged enough to have those moments. I pledge to incorporate Missouri State University’s Public Affairs Mission in my professional and personal life after I graduate. Most importantly, I pledge to be a Missouri State Bear the rest of my life- something that makes me cry out of pure joy.
For all of my friends who aren’t graduating this May, I encourage you to appreciate every moment, because these four (or five) years really do fly by.
For all of my friends preparing for graduation, I encourage you to embrace all of these last moments we have. And finally, I encourage you to pledge to be a Missouri State Bear forever. Because being a bear is a life-long gift.
~Mickie
Mickie Plummer is a Senior studying Socio-Political Communication and Music. Mickie is involved with her social sorority, campus ministry, and is currently serving as the Vice President of Community Relations for the Panhellenic Council and is one of two SOAR Orientation Assistants.