It happened all of a sudden. You woke up on Tuesday and chairs ominously lined up on the Green. On Wednesday, the graduation stage rose like an animated dinosaur skeleton. It's strange. You blinked and what was once a seemingly long and arduous climb from orientation to commencement is now at its end. You woke up and all your freshmen insecurities, hopes and fears were draped on the floor like a wrinkled DOC trip T-shirt. You've got a whole new set of worries now, fitted to you like a tailored suit.
You've grown up. You may not have noticed it, but you can see it in the way people shake your hand, address you by Ms. or Mr. and in the big frightened eyes of intimidated 'shmen. This may be overwhelming for you, but trust me, this is a good thing. In fact, it's a wonderful thing. You've matured into a wonderful person, someone who successfully made the transition from an impressionable kid with potential to an accomplished, intelligent individual. You've had experiences you only dreamt about in high school watching "Animal House" or "With Honors" (your pick) and lived to tell the tale. These tales are the greatest things in the world. They taught you things, showed you life and created the person you are now. Take these stories with you and keep them forever.
Looking around, you may envy the younger ones who are still authoring their stories, but you shouldn't. Your jealousy only exists because your own stories are so precious to you. You may have regrets, but there's nothing you can do about them. Even if you didn't make the absolute most out of your time, you spent your years well. The way you're going to miss Dartmouth is a testament to that fact.
Today is a day to appreciate the beauty of your time here and to say goodbye.
Today is your last day as an undergraduate, spend it with your most loved ones and enjoy yourself.
Cry, but don't be sad. Today is your day. Congratulations on your most special day.
