I can’t say that the UI has ever really felt like my home. I’ve never had much time to adequately explore and appreciate all that this University has to offer because I joined The Daily Illini staff as soon as I stepped foot on campus, completely changing my definition of what it means to be busy. While my experience at this daily student newspaper has been filled with many memories, both amazing and often times frustrating, it has completely changed me as a person during my three-and-a-half years.

It’s hard to write down exactly how I’ve changed or precisely what I’ve learned, but if I had to sum up my life as a University student, it would probably look something like this:

Never trust your academic advisers

The best advice you can get about what classes to take or how to spend your time here should come straight from you. Counselors only think about graduation and finishing requirements. Branch out and explore things you’re interested in. For example, because of counselor error, as a freshman I was told that I needed to complete a number of requirements in two years; I actually had all four years to do so. If it weren’t for this mistake, I would never be graduating early and could enjoy my last semester among my peers instead of joining the working world.

Don’t be judgmental

This was probably the hardest lesson for me to learn. Because of a certain group of friends that I was involved with, I was an awful person my first two years of college. I thought that if someone didn’t have the same beliefs as me or behaved in a manner that I thought was reprehensible, he wasn’t worth my time. How closed-minded I was. I’m so happy I’m not wrapped up in those faiths any longer. Everyone is multi-dimensional and there is no possible way I can learn all there is to know about someone in four, short years.

Work hard, party harder

I have always felt compelled to do my best work, always. Because of this, I’ve missed no more than five classes throughout my college career. My determination to get good grades is directly proportional to the amount of effort I put toward rewarding myself. Just because you were out until 4 a.m. in the morning doesn’t mean you can’t make it to class in five hours.

“I’m too pretty to date you …”

Always write down quotes. They will amuse you for many, many days to come.

Be open to change

I’ve spent a lot of my life planning for a certain future, but due to other circumstances, that future may not happen. Stop living for the future and live for the day. I missed a lot of great opportunities because they didn’t fit in with “my plans.” Always be ready to completely turn your life around, otherwise you’ll miss the time of your life.

Don’t let health problems get in the way of fun!

As corny as it sounds, life is too short to be spent feeling sorry for yourself. I’ve been battling health issues for the majority of my life, but dealing with them privately has enabled me to always enjoy myself. While serious health issues should always be taken care of, try not to let them get you down. Whatever happens, happens. Enjoy life as much as you possibly can, even if you have to ignore some pain along the way to do it.

Be thankful

I am so happy for everyone that I have met at the University. I am definitely going to miss each and every one of you. From editors at The Daily Illini to the cohorts of room 419 in Allen Hall. I love you all.

Let yourself fall in love

Although University English professor Dale Bauer will probably cry out in rage after reading this, it’s true: Love can be a gift without any expectation of something in return. It’s wonderful.