For most of my life, moving on was never challenging. I moved cities and countries, drifted from friends and left behind hobbies. I believe moving forward is a natural, simple, even beautiful part of life. Graduating from Ohio University feels different than all of those things. Moving on is suddenly the hardest thing I have ever had to do.
My journey at OU started with a game-time decision. I committed here the day deposits were due because I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, and it felt like a safe option. I had no idea this would become the place where I am the happiest I have ever been.
During my orientation before freshman year, my mom wrote me a letter, dated June 30, 2022. In it, she told me, “Enjoy your time at OU, work hard, learn hard, friendship hard.” Reading this letter and looking back to say I did those things fills my soul with warmth, especially that last part.
I met my closest friends freshman year, some of them in the very first week, and they truly carried me through these last four years. I have heard it is rare to keep your freshman year friend group, and I am so happy that we found and kept each other. My week ones, my Tiffin girls, Molly, Ali, Hanna and Macy, made every memory in college a good one. I cannot express enough how grateful and lucky I am to have their friendship.
One of the most comforting things about graduating is that we’re doing it together.
Some of my best memories with my friends are forever tied to Athens. The countless coffee days at Donkey Coffee, nights spent on the patio of The Union, Thursdays dedicated to watching Black Sheep Improv and the summer of weekly trivia at Pigskin will always be with me. I will miss all of these things, and more, dearly.
The Lost Flamingo Theatre Company, where I spent so much of my time these last few years, deserves a shout-out. Acting in “Grease” and “Almost, Maine,” assistant directing “Heathers” and being a company photographer for “The Outsiders” gave me an outlet I so desperately needed when I wasn’t working on school. Everyone I met through those shows helped make my college life joyful, even if they didn’t know it. I’m proud to have been a part of those productions.
Another creative group that I am so happy to be part of is Rough Cut Collective. In MDIA 3700, my favorite class I ever took, I met my boyfriend Chase, and he brought me into the club this year. I’ve been involved in the art department, editing, acting and even co-writing and directing my own movie, “Free Tonight,” with Chase. The students on these sets are so incredibly hardworking and innovative, and it’s been a pleasure to work with them.
I can’t go without thanking everybody at The Post. Joining as an assistant Human Interest editor my senior year, I didn’t know how easy it would be to get into the swing of things, but everyone was so welcoming and helpful. The executive editors, Jackson, Rooks, Alex and Abby, and my section editor, Gina, made my whole experience so valuable. Every writer and editor whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting or working with is a truly amazing person. The Post quickly became a second home at OU, and I’ll miss the newsroom so much.
Lastly, aside from my friends and these groups, my family helped make college what it was. I called my parents almost every day, had my brother and sister-in-law just a short drive from campus, and my sister and best friend just transferred to OU this year. The love and support they gave me mean everything.
Moving on from this part of my life will be a hurdle. I already can’t wait to come back and visit the places that meant so much to me for the last four years.
If I could give any advice to the Bobcats who are just starting, it would be another piece of advice my mom wrote to me in her letter: “make mistakes, mess up, grow, learn, discover who you are, do it all.”
Emma Snyder-Lovera is a senior studying journalism and media arts production at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Emma about their column? Email them at es682521@ohio.edu
