People say that I’m scared of life.

I’d say that’s a bit of an exaggeration; I’m scared of change and I’m scared of being wrong and I don’t like when things end. A bit of a pickle I have myself seeing as though my collegiate career is nearly over, I have no idea what I’m doing with my life and I hope that I didn’t make any wrong choices thus far.

I know, though, many choices I made were the right ones.

I came to the University of Massachusetts from Minnesota ‘- so much for a person who is scared of change. It was the scariest thing I had ever done. I’m surprised after first semester freshman year I stayed. But I knew that, if I transferred schools, I would have been ‘wrong’ in choosing UMass and everyone who doubted me would be able to say ‘I told you so.’

Wow, I’m glad that I’m stubborn. I just needed to get used to my new home, and that’s what UMass became ‘- a home.‘

I joined The Massachusetts Daily Collegian in spring 2007, and after a year I became an assistant sports editor. I knew I had made the right decision ‘- not just to help my future career aspirations, but because I met people that changed my life forever.

The people at the paper became my best friends ‘- and the worst influences. I skipped classes, went out too often and was never prepared for class. But I have never had more fun and I don’t regret getting my worst GPA ever last fall. Going home on breaks, I couldn’t wait to get back to The Collegian ‘- not working at the paper necessarily, but the people.

Coming to college, I never thought I would meet people that would be able to replace, or be equal to, my friends from home. But my friends at UMass have truly become my family, from everyone at The Collegian, to friends from freshman year (Adrianne ‘- there you go), to the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega, to the journalism department. All of you have made my college experience that much better and I thank you for that.

I didn’t think anything would be better than my senior year of high school ‘- I don’t think I’ve ever been so wrong. My four years at college have been amazing. I’ve learned more about myself, about the world and about others than I ever thought possible. That’s the point of college, right?

I’ve always heard that these are supposed to be the best years of your life, and so far, they have been. This is the first time that I’m not jealous when all of my friends get out of school weeks before UMass for summer ‘- thank you horrible schedules because I’m not ready to leave this place. The homework yes, but friends, college, no.

I’m in the position of many of those who are graduating: I’m clueless and I’m going to miss the life of a college student. So right now, I guess you could say I am scared of life. I’m nervous, anxious, excited and terrified to see what my life brings, what I end up doing and where I go. I’m scared, but I’m oh so excited.

Melissa Turtinen was assistant Arts and Living editor and assistant Sports editor. She can be reached at [email protected].