To the Seniors

Congratulations to the Class of 2012, and Forte ;)!

I realize that I may not be posting this blog entry much as a publicity (since I am no longer one, hehe) but more as a personal note to my dear Sigma seniors who just graduated. So pardon me if it's a bit random, (although I'm sure nothing can beat the randomness of "From Carlson, By Starlit")

Considering that many seniors will be staying in New York after graduation, I have no doubt that there will always be chances to reunite, whether in the city or in the great old Rochester. Nevertheless, I think I’m more worried about spending my last year at UR without the sisters who have become role models and mentors in my life.

Forte, Ebullience and Vitalia

Stop rolling your eyes. I know the class of 2012 is only one year above me, and most of them still make as many questionable life decisions as I do, but that one year makes a difference. You girls and I are basically the same age—so we can still relate to one another—but we’re also at two different points in life. In the past almost-three years at UR, whenever I needed an answer to one of my existential questions, all I needed to do was grab a green tea latte at Starbucks with any of you. We all know that we are nowhere close to the perfect role models, but lack of perfection doesn’t mean that we don’t have something to teach others.

“Who’s going to grab coffee with me next year?” I’ve started wondering to myself and actually, that's the thought that terrifies me the most. 

Ebullience and Comet

I’m not ready to be a senior and I’m sure there are other juniors who feel the same way. “Well, personally, I’m ready to be a senior. There’s a certain ease on campus that they carry,” remarked one of my classmates. What if I don’t think I carry that ease yet? Do I just fake it? I’m not sure if any juniors will come to me for advice next semester, since I think I’m pretty ill-suited to doling out bits of practical wisdom. However, I want to listen. Maybe that’s where the air of “ease” that my friend mentioned comes from. Ease comes from knowing you survived three years at this institution, and you can handle it—and thrive, even—for another year. So, if an underclassman comes to me with distress on her face about her finals, I can be empathetic because I went through the same worries. But I also did just fine, and I can at least try to assure her that she will too­—and give her my old study guides. Because that how you guys helped me through my years here.

Misaki and Vitalia

Anyway, to the class of 2012, I’m not sure to whom I’ll turn when you’re all gone from campus. Maybe I’ll finally call my mom more. But thanks for the coffee dates, shoulders to cry on, arms to hug, laughs to share, boozy brunches, frantic emails and text messages, study guides, late-night study sessions, memories that should probably be forgotten and memories that should never be forgotten. The class of 2013 will pass it on next year.

SyriAe and Andante

One more time, congratulations to Forte, Ebullience, Vitalia, Misaki, Andante, Comet, SyriAe!

Iota Chapter would not be where we are right now with all your work, dedication and passion. Thank you for everything you have done for us and you will forever be our sisters, heart and soul. We do not want to say good bye because tomorrow when we stand there to become a part of your world, we would look for those familiar faces, who would draw their hands out and share their experiences with us. Please come visit us often (it's Rochester, I know) and hang out with us when we come visit. And whenever you have time, don't hesitate to chat, skype or call us, maybe?

[From a super-sad-because-there's-no-one-at-Starbucks-anymore Cavatina]