Thank You JMU

After taking nearly a month off from writing on my blog, I decided to take this time to focus on spending as much time as possible on my final moments of my college career. Whether it was my academics, being involved in senior activities, or cherishing my last moments with best friends, I made sure I didn't miss a beat. As I threw my cap into the air this past Saturday afternoon at Graduation, I encompassed a mixture of emotions that is familiar to almost every graduate of a place where one finds attachment to. I loved every aspect of James Madison University, and everyday my Mother reminds me of the decision I almost made to go elsewhere during my college search. Yes, most likely I would have had a wonderful experience wherever I went just because of the flexible and open individual I am, but to me there is still something about this institution that sets it far apart from any other. I may be bias, but from experience, I have seen and heard that JMU offers a sense of pride, camaraderie, and overall genuine atmosphere that cannot be duplicated at most other colleges. I am 100% proud to say I just graduated from one of the finest institutions in the country. It may not be a Harvard or a Yale, but its overall balance of classroom academics and outside involvement in activities definitely puts it a step ahead of the finest academic universities out there. Thank you James Madison University for the greatest learning experiences of my life thus far, whether it was in the classroom or outside of it. This institution provided me with every resource to help me discover and mold myself into the individual I am today.

As I sit here the Monday following my Graduation, I can't help but wonder what the next step of my life will be. I am venturing into the seas of the unknown shortly, and will have to make tough decisions that will impact my life at least for the near future. I am currently unemployed and have been searching for a job over the last semester here at JMU. However, I am very selective in the type of company I want to work for, and the type of work I wish to be doing. My goals in life stand as is and I will not let any company take those or alter those from me. In the next few months, I hope to find a career that fits me, and from there the rest is for me to write. But for now, I am sitting here still surrounding myself by the beautiful mountains of Harrisonburg, with a few friends who stuck around, to enjoy our last bit of living in this life that we have endured for the past four years. Someone once said that all good things come to an end, and for me this has definitely been a good thing that has ended. Although I have shed several tears over leaving this place, I know I have plenty of chapters in my life ahead of me, which is the beauty of life. There is so much unknown in life and that alone is something that excites me. I cannot wait to jump on the new ship into those unknown seas and go exploring. For anyone out there who is going through the closure of a chapter in your life, remember that the only thing you can do is to stay positive and look ahead. Tell yourself that you are not only ready for whatever life has to offer you, but you are ready to give life all that you have to offer.

So here's to my friends, family, and to James Madison University - I am forever indebted to you. Thank YOU for this experience.