Dear Seniors,
As the weather is getting warmer, it feels even more real that we will be graduating in just a month. It is the beginning of graduation photo season, as well as the perfect time for church picnics, long walks and driving with the windows down blasting music.
Recently, one of my go-to playlists has been my Spotify collaboration playlist with my roommates titled “Grad,” which one of my roommates sent us in January with a text attached saying “sad emotional songs only.”
Do not get me wrong, I love a sad emotional song, but while reflecting on my time here at Villanova, some songs remind me of campus, of the experiences and of the best parts of the college experience, in addition to the sad emotional ones.
After this realization, I began to make another playlist, and while it is titled “Don’t Make Me Leave,” it is compiled of what I believe is the perfect recipe of songs for every college senior.
The Throwback – “Satellite” by Harry Styles
I attended a Harry Styles concert at Madison Square Garden with my roommate in September of freshman year. Many of my friends have had similar experiences, whether it was attending Hoops Mania with friends from their hall, or a song played at sorority bid day, everyone has a song or two that brings them back to those first few months as a Villanovan.
The Tradition – “Swag Surfin’” by Fast Life Yungstaz
When I think of Villanova, I think of traditions that contribute to the Villanova community. As I stood in the Spirit Line for Admitted Students Day (ASD) this past weekend, and the song “Swag Surfin’” was played, I was brought back to the countless basketball games and ASDs I attended as a senior in high school and at Villanova.
The Reflection – “Don’t Look Back In Anger” by Oasis
One of the biggest lessons I have learned in my senior year is that holding grudges is not worth it, especially when we all only have a few weeks left on campus. Reflection is always important, yet when big changes enter one’s life, it is even more important to see what you can do to change your life. None of us will want to look back in future years with regrets. I encourage some reflection going into the next few weeks.
The Involvement Culture – “Blame It On The Boogie” by The Jacksons
Every time “Blame It On The Boogie” begins, I am transported back to August and the Orientation program. This song transformed into our annual flash mob for the New Students. One of the best parts of Villanova is the involvement culture. Whether it was played in a meeting or in the Special Olympics flash mob, many songs will transport you back to your favorite communities on campus.
The Friends – “Ribs” by Lorde
I was terrified I would never meet my people at Villanova. I was wrong. Throughout the past four years, I have made friends who will last a lifetime. I have friends from every corner of campus, from The Villanovan, who are older and who are younger and who make me feel like my best self. Even though “it feels so scary getting old,” Villanova brought me “the only friend[s] I’ll need.”
The Sad and Emotional – “Nobody Knows” by The Lumineers
Graduating is sad and emotional. It only means that we were lucky enough to have had an experience so good that we do not want to leave. “Nobody knows how to say goodbye,” but we do not have to say goodbye. Maybe just “see you later.”
Seniors, we are almost at the end, and it is okay to see happiness amongst the sadness with the changes coming our way. So plug your headphones in and start listening.
With love always,
Lauren
