Life is a funny thing. We always look forward to the big events. Some of us even count down the days to the end of the semester, graduation, weddings, you name it. But the truth is, like many have said before, life is what happens when you’re planning for it.
Life, for me, is what happens when I’m freaking out about a story deadline, and on the way to an interview for that story, I blow out a tire. Now that’s life.
It’s those moments we can’t predict. It’s the memories that last much longer than the events themselves, like dance parties on Herald production nights. I know many of you haven’t experienced these, but I’m sure you can relate that when stress and fatigue overcomes you, there’s no way to predict what can happen.
Life brings a series of emotions, from grief, to anger, to happiness. And when things end, a chapter closes, it can often feel bittersweet.
Like this column. It’s my last one for the Herald. I can be nothing but proud and saddened by this fact. Like many of you, I am overcome with joy that winter break is almost here, but I am sad that I will no longer be a part of this family.
You never know where life is going to take you. It’s unpredictable.
I like to think that in some ways I owe my life to the Herald. It’s taught me things I could have never learned in a book or in a classroom. But most of all, it’s given me the feeling that it does matter what you write.
When people loved what I wrote, even in this very column, I got to hear it. And when my words were hated, I heard that, too. I’m completely thankful for that. Not Alanis Morissette-standing-naked-on-a-street-corner thankful, but nevertheless, really thankful.
This experience has enriched my life, made me a better person and given me friends and confidants I otherwise never would’ve had.
I think that when we’re in college, it’s important to do something like this – to seek a group out that you feel you can be a part of, but that also contains people from all different kinds of backgrounds. It’s important to be exposed to those people in life, rather than close yourself off with the same ones you’ve always known. That is what really enriches your life.
The people we meet and interact with, who are even a little different than ourselves, are the ones who help turn a canvas into a work of art. They’re the ones who add different colors, tons of texture and shapes you could never have imagined. They’re important.
So while I am planning my life, counting down the months to graduation and all those other big moments we all have, I just want to say one thing: Thanks to everyone, especially the Herald staff, who has added a little color to my life. I wouldn’t be the same without it.
Reach Heather Ryan at diversions@chherald.com.
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