From the Former Executive Editor’s Desk: Friends key in tackling the future
By Olivia Tattory
Of all the things to be stressing and thinking about right now, I have my mom to thank for adding one more thing to the list — health insurance. This fact of life is something I never had to worry about in the past, but need to at least start thinking about in the present so I’m not screwed in the future. I know that seems pretty blunt, but it’s true. This, along with many other things, is an issue that we, the class of 2008, should be ready to tackle come May 9.
At 21 and 22 years old we truly have the world in our hands. I could not be more excited to get my feet wet in the world outside of Rider and really try to make a difference. I know it sounds clichéd or even childish, but the potential our young minds hold is something no one can take away from us. This is the opportunity to embrace the fact that nothing is holding you down. Take a chance and apply to that job in California, look at the graduate school in Michigan and even move to a major city on a whim. Sure it’s scary and nerve-wracking, and yes, be sure to have at least some sort of steady income to sustain yourself, but really, “Why not?”
Today marks exactly two weeks until we accept our diplomas from President Rozanski and while we should all be studying for final exams and writing those papers, don’t forget to savor the last 14 days of your undergraduate career. Relax with friends, lie in the grass and, most importantly, take advantage of the beautiful weather that has been gracing these campuses.
As I enjoy my last few days walking around campus, visiting professors and snapping photos every chance I get, there is one thing I simply cannot avoid — campus tours. While the high school juniors and seniors get their tour of the Academic Buildings, the Bart Luedeke Center and residence halls, I hope they see what I see in Rider. The tight-knit community, friendly students and professors who will do absolutely everything they can to help you succeed, are just a few of the things that make Rider more than just a college.
As you leave Rider and head into the real world, be sure to take at least one thing with you — your friends. The people you’ve pulled all-nighters with, eaten three meals a day with for four years and shared the memories you’ll tell your children 10 or 20 years from now, are the people you will never forget and will hopefully grow old with. I know I can say, with absolute certainty, that the people I’ve shared many late nights, frustrations and successes with, will be my friends forever. I met them through a common bond and as long as we keep that alive, our friendships will endure anything.
I see my peers around me looking for jobs, accepting job offers and applying to grad school — and this makes me proud. Proud to be included in such an already successful and accomplished class and that I can say I was a part of it.
