SENIOR COLUMN: COLLEGE LETS YOU START OVER EVERY DAY, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT!
BY GABRIELLE CABANES PHOTO COURTESY OF GABRIELLE CABANES
You know the funny thing about senior columns is that even after having spent four years reading them and finding myself moved by the experiences of those who came before me, I still have absolutely no idea what I’m going to say.
I guess I’ll start by saying that I have never felt more like myself than at this moment. College has this energy in the air where every day you wake up and you get to start everything over and over again until you find yourself, and honestly, that’s a great feeling.
My freshman year, however, I was lucky enough to meet my best friends. As cheesy as it sounds, Hannah Campbell and Kayla Bennett were not only girls I loved, they were and continue to be the big sisters I never had. Being two years older than me, these two blonde, bright-shining lights in my life showed me Thread.
I will say, at first, I was skeptical. I had convinced myself that I was made for The Post, and political journalism was the only thing on my mind at that time. However, little by little, I grew to find community in a way I never had. I love my student publication an embarrassing amount, and I honestly haven’t quite processed what it means to step away.
At the end of my sophomore year, after Kayla had already graduated a year prior, Hannah left. Thankfully, I spent the fall semester of my junior year in Washington, D.C., on a study away program where they were both living. This was hands down the best (and honestly only) good part of that semester, but when I came back, I became a little lost. There was this giant gap in my life, and for some time, it was really hard to fill.
Luckily, my wonderful boyfriend and the best person college has brought me, Silas, was there to support me. After having been long-distance for 5 months, we finally got to know what it was like to live close to each other. Our nights were spent watching “Breaking Bad” on his couch, or eating Avalanche Pizza or Mr. Hibachi. I love Silas because I’ve never been able to speak to someone about life the way I speak to him. Every day allows for growth and deeper conversations.
Finally, my senior year, after becoming editor-in-chief, a plethora of groups came into my life and made me the best version of myself.
First, I reconnected with my beautiful freshman year roommate, Abby, after a few years of differing schedules and study abroad. Abby’s grace and intelligence inspire me. I’m so glad fate worked out in my favor freshman year. Next, I got closer to my darling girl, Kinga. Kinga plays on the women’s rugby team. She's fiercely loyal and loves a Ciderhouse drink almost as much as I do.
Last but most certainly not least, Morgan, Hadley, and Cami came into my life. For the first time since meeting Hannah and Kayla, and for lack of a better term, these girls matched my freak. Each of them worked harder than anyone I had ever met. They live with such conviction in their success. They are my superheroes.
Now, a couple of weeks from graduation, my one piece of advice is to dream big and work relentlessly to make your dreams happen. Life is not easy, and as much as I consider myself an optimist, I am not of the mindset that everything inherently always works out. For the past year, I have surrounded myself with people who inspire greatness, and to quote “Dead Poets Society,” always “suck the marrow out of life.” Every day is an opportunity to get a little closer to reaching your wildest dreams, and life goes by quickly here. Take advantage of every single day.
I’m especially grateful to my family: my mom, dad, and sister, Constance, for never once telling me there was something I couldn’t accomplish. Constance is graduating from high school this year while accepting her first contract as a professional ballerina. Our parents taught us excellence. They pushed us to be women who are proud of our accomplishments.
Now, as I find myself attending Northwestern University in the fall, my dream graduate program, in a field I feel so passionate about, I feel like I have a purpose. The saying is true: hard work does pay off. Give it every single thing you’ve got and never stop aspiring for better.
It’s been the honor of a lifetime serving this magazine. Thank you for inspiring me to be great.
Thank you for being my biggest pride and joy.
Wherever I go in life, I’ll always be your biggest fan.
With unconditional love, I’m saying goodbye.
