Seniors, I am going to pose a question to you. Who did you think you would become during college? Did you change in the ways that you thought you would? Maybe you had no idea what college would hold and how much you would change. I can imagine that most people look back and are amazed at how much different they are. The person you were during high school might seem unrecognizable. Maybe that’s a good thing, maybe not. Even one semester of college can change you immensely, for better or worse. Loras College firmly implants the “Become the best version of yourself” motto into our heads. We are reminded not to settle for less than we could be, to always keep striving to make the best decisions possible. You will now have to remind yourself of that goal instead of hearing it day after day. How much closer have you become to becoming the “best version of yourself” during your college years?

Now you are on to another chapter of your life. Change can be painful, but it’s needed and often a very good thing. Change is the only inevitable part of life. Some of you have probably been suffering from senioritis for over a year. Others of you don’t want to leave or may have ambivalent feelings about the next chapter of your life. Embrace the adventure of not knowing exactly what’s next. Life is an open book, the next chapter blank and just waiting to be written. Don’t be afraid to let life shape you. Maybe you’ll go to the other side of the world, meet the person of your dreams, or end up doing a career that you love and never thought you would do. No matter whether your life is one of adventure or equanimity, expected or unexpected, you will be shaped and changed by your experiences. Let the experiences in your life shape you for the better. May troubles strengthen you and your joys help you realize your blessings. In every situation, strive to be the best version of yourself.  You may change in ways you never thought possible.

Good luck as the next chapter of your life is written! You will be missed at Loras College!