Before my time at Villanova comes to a close, my mind is abuzz with several items on my to-do list. If you’re like me and feel overwhelmed by the immense task of saying goodbye to these four years, I’ve got you. Someone once told me that the best way to tackle something major is by taking it one step at a time. So, check out this perfectly curated senior “checklist” to help you grapple with your remaining time left on the Main Line.
The Tunes:
Add all the nostalgic songs that get you feeling like the main character in a coming-of-age movie to a playlist titled “Senior Year.” Some suggestions include the classic hits. “Dreams” by the Cranberries, “Scott Street” by Phoebe Bridgers and “Our House” by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. But don’t limit yourself to the standard sentimental tunes. Add songs that remind you of your freshman year dorm, your first night out at Villanova and your intramural championship win. The song “1979” by the Smashing Pumpkins reminds me of production nights at The Villanovan and “Secrets from a Girl” by Lorde reminds me of crisp autumn mornings walking to Tolentine. Both of these songs appear on my playlist.
Beyond your mixtape, find your “Villanova anthem.” Long before I attended Villanova, my mom (a proud alum) deemed “Solsbury Hill” by Peter Gabriel the song that summed up her college years. Inspired by her, I urge all of us to find our Villanova anthem. Whether it’s a song that you scream-sing on Mug Night at Kelly’s, something from a concert you went to in Philly or your walk-up song to your most difficult class, find a song that is a testament to your Villanova years. And later down the line, perhaps you’ll share that very song with your own kids.
The Grub:
The Bryn Mawr and Wayne food scene is teeming with Villanova fan favorites. Ordering your favorite takeout, which for me is the economical $15 deal at Vic’s Sushi, is a grounding ritual. Gather your friends and hit up your favorite dinner spots like Otto, Las Fridas and Dan Dan. Attached to some of these tried and true names are not only my favorite bites, but my favorite memories. The taste of an El Limon or Las Fridas quesadilla takes me back to freshman year dinners before watching March Madness, and the twirl of spaghetti on my plate at Otto or Fellini’s reminds me of many rowdy sorority fam dinners. But in addition to these favorites, don’t neglect to expand your palate. Embrace those joints that have always been on your dinner bucket list. I’m eager to try the Blue Elephant in Wayne, as well as Dua BYOB in Bryn Mawr.
The Attire:
No joke, my grad dress selection was taking up at least 50% of my brain space before I made my final decision. I had 20 different tabs open in my computer at all times, much to the dismay of my laptop’s battery. To others who may look at my overwhelming Chrome tabs with trepidation, I must justify my valiant search by emphasizing the importance of looking your best on such a momentous day. It’s not an obsession. It’s dedication to the pursuit of stylishness. At the onset of my perusal, I viewed the trendiest dresses with high necks and bows. And while these looks were chic, they weren’t true to me. I ordered a white dress with a halter neck, because I know I love the way that cut of dress looks on me. After all, if college is all about finding yourself over four years, what better way to wrap it up than wearing a graduation outfit that perfectly represents you and what you feel good in?
Which leads me to my next point: These few weeks of college are one of the last times most of us can freely express ourselves without being shackled to the chains of business casual wear. It is important to take comfort in your favorite staple outfits. For me, this is my oversized black fleece and red baseball cap paired with yoga pants and my Hoka sneakers. But don’t be afraid to take creative risks, too. Wear that belt that has been sitting in your closet for years, or that pair of overalls you love, but feel too intimidated to wear.
The Everyday:
No one wants to end college with regrets. In these remaining weeks, be bold and put yourself out there. It’s not too late. If you’re rendered sheepish by seemingly arbitrary things, don’t be. If it gives you any hope, I tried something new, having recently played in my first ever intramural basketball game, and I even made a basket. And spoiler alert: we ended up winning the championship. On your walk to class, don’t be afraid to compliment someone’s sweater, and smile at friends from class that you vaguely know. Although it’s intimidating, we all know that a random act of kindness is the best feeling, so why not spread positivity to leave your final mark on campus?
The End:
Make a plan for your lasts. Last class, last night at your college house, last sorority formal. The end can be scary, so instead, make it exciting. My roommates and I decided that we would spend the last night in our apartment sleeping on the couch and air mattresses in our sunroom– a final sleepover before we all live in different cities post-grad. Everyone’s college experience varies, so find an ending ritual that is authentically you.
When considering “the end,” maybe don’t think about it too much. While being mindful is important, be present and enjoy what you have while you have it. These next few weeks won’t be perfect. Nothing ever is. So while avoiding putting this spring on a pedestal, I will say that we are all given an opportunity that we likely will never have again. Ground yourself in your friends, your community and reflect on the person you’ve become– and commence the last step: to enjoy.
