It’s strange to think that in exactly two weeks some of us will have to leave behind the magical land of sunshine and happiness where dreams come true — college — to go out into the real world and supposedly do something with our lives.

This is largely depressing. College has been fruitful. It’s where I’ve picked up on all my greatest life lessons. These include the following things: steal toilet paper whenever possible, know nothing good ever comes out of running into someone attractive at the gym, Chipotle is a guaranteed conversation starter, and of course, if you don’t remember it, it never happened.

Senior supply chain management and marketing major Jake Haworth confirmed my feelings of nostalgia when he said, ‘Nothing is going to compare to the four years that I’ve spent here, and going out into the real world will be nerve-racking. I will miss my friends, and I definitely look forward to coming back and being an active alum.’

But on the real, Syracuse University has been a great place to spend the last four years. All things considered, we’ve been left fairly unhindered. Greek life, where shame and morals come to die, is proudly recognized and endorsed by the university. South Campus is a legitimate living option. You can avoid Friday classes if you so choose. Actually, you can pretty much avoid all your classes if you so choose. Either way, it’s been a nice life.

But even so, I think the time has come to move on. Senior finance and entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises major Noah Levine agreed when he said, ‘What I’ll miss most about SU is living with five of the wildest guys on campus. But I can’t wait to graduate so I can start making cash money.’ Word.

So thanks for everything, SU. It’s been a great run, a really memorable four years. You’ve stolen pieces of my heart and soul, several bras and at least three phones. You’ve attempted to teach me educational-type things and failed, but put in a valiant effort nonetheless. You’ve allowed me to blossom and grow, to make new friends and lovers, to study abroad, to consume obscene amounts of alcohol in a safe and secure environment, to piss people off (in person and in print), to write more papers and study for more tests than can possibly be healthy, to walk way too far and way too often, and so much more.

Fellow senior and television, radio and film major Alex Rosenthal agreed. He said, ‘I will miss walking to class in 30 degree weather with high velocity winds drying out my contact lenses in the middle of April,’ he said. ‘I will also miss drinking milk straight from the carton, which I can’t really do when I’m back living with my parents.’

In the end, it’s all been worth it. And when graduation rolls around, I will definitely cry and make 63 new friends on Facebook and proclaim my utmost jealousy of all the underclassmen, and all the like.

Peace and love, SU. It’s been real.

Marina Charny is a senior English and textual studies and writing major. Her column usually appears every Monday. She can be reached at mcharny@syr.edu.

Published on April 30, 2011 at 12:00 pm