I was walking to my lab this evening, across the engineering mall, and it was slightly sprinkling (no umbrella…you know I hate those things). Campus was basically deserted. The bell tower was chiming some tune nearby. Right then, it hit me. I’m DONE in 3 weeks. I got a little misty-eyed. The campus has grown to be my new home. I started thinking sentimentally about how I’m going to miss walking to class. I love Purdue’s campus (despite other opinions held by unnamed siblings *cough* Jenna). I love the traditional red brick with hints of modern design slowly trickling in. I love the trees and the fountains. For the most part, it’s a pleasure to walk to class everyday. heck, I think I’m even used to the people—well, most days. I’m getting a BIT calmer in my old age. Well, not that much but some.

I know it’s silly because I’m still going to be in West Lafayette for at least another year, 1-mile from campus, but the closing to most any chapter in life brings about some degree of emotion. For the first time in my life, I will no longer be a student. It’s strange but after today, I finally feel I’m up for the new challenges ahead.

I had my senior presentation today which was basically, the single most important element of my college career. How did it go? Amazing. The client we were doing the project for could not have possibly been any happier, which is the best feeling in the world. It made all the headaches, stress, and anger that had occurred throughout the course of the semester seem small and trivial.

Beyond that outcome, this semester has been a huge trial for me and this presentation was like my certificate of completion. I’ve grown up so much this semester. I can’t even put it in words. I finally started to feel like a true, independent adult (and look like one, too. hehe yeah, who knew?). I mean today was a HUGE day, but I was not the least bit stressed. I felt completely prepared and in control. Let me tell you, I wish I could feel that way with everything in my life. The presentation went wonderfully. I’m not sure how it happens, but somehow the things I do always work out. It was also nice to make my parents so proud. I know that seeing our presentation today has made my dad trust me a lot more and there was a new level of respect established. I think that’s what has contributed to my enhanced independent feeling. I know that I’m my own worst critic and for once, today, I’m telling myself I did great, no regrets or shoulda-coulda. Of course, if my professor ends up giving me a B, there’s going to be a problem haha

I can’t take full credit for my progress. I’ve gotten by with a little help from my friends. I can’t live with them, can’t live without them. So true. Well, I’m going off on about 10 tangents, but what the hell, I’m in a talkative mood. I still have plenty of work ahead for the weekend: paper, 2 weeks of labs to grade, another senior project, etc. It’s cool. I have freelance jobs ready to roll as soon as I’m done, and I can’t wait to start. Something I’m finally in full control of. I love it!

My parents told me today that they think I’m wasting so much of my talent pursuing freelance work. Apparently, they think I should be in management. Well, if the only requirements were being completely anal about quality and organization, I suppose I would be qualified :) I’m still not content with my leadership abilities, but I’m getting better. I’ll give myself that much. I really like public speaking, still, after all these years. I’m going to miss that aspect of being a student. hehe maybe one day someone will value what I say enough to invite me to speak. How cool, yet nerve-wracking would that be?? Actually, I have a CS professor who said he would have me give a guest lecture if I were still around when they offered the class. I’m doing everything I’ve ever wanted and I’m doing it my way, on my terms. I’m really tired right now but I’m just so damned proud of myself and for once, I’m not going to hide it. So tomorrow, we hear more feedback from the professor. I’m hoping for more good news.

My life desires are slowly being achieved. Somehow it’s all just coming together, for my professional life anyway. The other half has room for improvement but I can’t complain too much. It’s the price I pay for being umm the way I am. Ok I’m done, I think. I will be posting my top 30 or maybe less (hehe) most memorable college experiences after graduation. It was a very good suggestion from one of my colleagues.

Until next time (I need a good salutation for myself…it’s tempting to steal cheers hehe)