Graduation

Three weeks ago I finished the last finals week of my undergraduate career. A lot of people kept asking me about how I feel about graduating and leaving Williamstown for good. In the moment, I did not have much to say because I was so focused on surviving my final exams that I did not have time to really sip in the idea of being done. Now that I had a whole week to sit in my thoughts and comprehend that my story with this place is almost over, I’m starting to feel more emotional. I chose this place because of the closness of its community and the beauty of its surroundings. I’m leaving with the world-class education to join another top program for my PHD, kind and thoughtful friends and aquintences that I was so lucky to find, deeper and richer understanding of myself and the world around me, and the will to better for the world.

I’m graduating in the time of uncertainty and increasing frustration of my generation with the world that was left for us. I belive in my ability to do good for myself, but I also want my peers to feel supported and seen. I want my peers to be able to afford to be adults, move out, have free time and friends. As a woman, I do not want to be afraid of my rights to my body or my voice being taken away. I do not want to ponder over why violence against women is less and less visible these days even though it becomes increasingly more common with all the wars in the world started against our will. There is no more status quo for us as it is increasingly harder to stay ignorant to everything that is happening in front of our eyes.

Though I do not have a solution, I want to outline an approach that I will take as a woman, who wants to pursue a career in academia. I will pursue every opportunity to get more educated, to learn and to create new opportunities for women around me. I will speak up for myself and for other women, even if it makes me less likable in the eyes of others. I will listen and learn from other women and make their stories and lessons known. I will cherish and adore my firends, who supported me alond the way. I will take care of my health and live an active life. I will not give up.