Farewell, UK
I am officially an alumna of the University of Kentucky. It doesn’t seem real. The reality of being finished with college has not set in yet. I think it will once August roles around.
I remember when I had just moved into my dorm at Woodland Glen IV and I didn’t know anyone. Sure I knew a handful of people from back home but not enough to make me feel comfortable. I didn’t even know my roommate.
Every day during ‘K Week’ I would cry on the phone to my mom complaining, thinking maybe things would be better had I gone to West Virginia University. I’m sure she said something along the lines of “Get a grip” and I did just that.
I started meeting people in my classes, joined a sorority, went to parties, the whole nine yards. And now, I have so many friends I can’t even count them with two hands. I know these friends will be in my wedding one day and that is a heartwarming feeling. I have grown so much since freshmen year into a woman I am proud of being.
It has almost been two weeks since I graduated. It was such a great day. I got to sit next to two friends during the ceremony while my family sat within eyesight. We listened to moving speeches and sang the fight song one last time as undergrads. I hate to admit but I still don’t know all the lyrics… The most emotional moment was moving my crimson tassel to the left side of my cap.
These past four years have flown by. I think senior year was the quickest. I say that because as I write this blog, I am sitting on my parent’s back patio having major deja vu. Just a year ago I had temporarily moved back home to complete an internship with the West Virginia Department of Tourism just down the road. I remember dreading moving back for the summer but it ended up being very pleasant and rewarding. Those memories are so vivid I could almost touch them as I sit here. Fast forward a year and now I have a whole degree.
Getting my degree truly feels like an accomplishment. I am very proud of myself quite honestly. College was hard, especially having gone through a pandemic in the midst of it. I am proud of myself for balancing school, a social life, and all the extracurricular activities I was apart of. I am proud of myself for being disciplined during quarantine with my schoolwork. I am proud of myself for maintaining good grades.
I am not sure what the next chapter will hold. I plan to stay in Lexington for a few more years, as far as I know. I am just trusting in God because I know he has a plan for me. So, I might as well go with the flow.
I am currently searching for a job within the Lexington area as well as random places around the country. It has always been a dream of mine to live near the Rocky Mountains. Why wait to go on a vacation when I could have those adventures and views at my leisure? The only downside of Kentucky is there isn’t a lot of nature or recreational activities. Sure, we have the Red River Gorge but it just doesn’t do it for me. I think I will eventually settle down in Kentucky but not right now.
Despite the unknowingness of the future, I am so excited for this next chapter. I feel reincarnated. It feels like I have reached a threshold and am set free. I have a valuable degree and knowledge and I am ready to use it.
As I enter this next chapter of life, I have a few goals set to better my mental and physical health such as going to church every Sunday, exercising more, and eating healthier.
I began going to Southland Church this past Easter Sunday and really enjoyed it. It is a nondenominational church in Lexington, similar to the one in my hometown. However, it is humongous. The size of the church and population is slightly intimidating but the coffee is good and so is the message. That’s all I could ask for. I am excited to grow as a Christian and strengthen my relationship with God.
My boyfriend and I celebrate six months together in June. It is crazy to believe I have been with this boy for half a year! Once the semester started coming to an end, my anxiety increased. The realization that our adult lives were beginning was a lot to process. I knew as soon as we graduated things were going to change. He may move back home to Cincinnati to begin his career, but I plan to stay in Lexington. Even though it is only a short hour apart, I still consider it long distance. And oh how I just love long distance. I think we will be alright though. Distance could make our relationship stronger.
I am very thankful for my time at the University of Kentucky. It has been so much fun. I have made countless memories over the past four years. From rushing State Street during March Madness, to partying on The Hill at Keeneland, to singing ’Country Roads’ at karaoke in Wildcat Saloon, to holding Zoom calls with my friends during quarantine, to senior year spring break in Cancun with my girls, and every moment in between were so incredibly precious.
Not only did I gain friends and memories, but I also gained knowledge within my field of study and am ready to put this brain to work within the communications industry. College was fun but also very challenging. I am thankful for my education and want to represent my alma mater proudly as I begin my career.
Most importantly, I am thankful for my parents for supporting me as well as my other family members. I am also so thankful for my wonderful friends that have been placed in my life. I could not do anything without these people surrounding me. I can’t thank God enough for this experience. I am beyond blessed.
Farewell, UK.