Well, the time has come. In just a few short days I’ll be a proud alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University, and thus, my college and Onward State career will be over. But before I go and (kinda) become a full-fledged adult, I’m going to write the most basic Senior Column that you’ll ever read. So buckle up and enjoy “The Advice” and “The Thoughts” as I reflect on my time as a student.

The Advice

My first piece of advice is to be immature sometimes. College is really the last point where you can make not adult-like decisions and not be truly looked down upon, so make sure you do some dumb things. Go to Gaffeoke on Wednesday night when you have a paper you haven’t started yet due at 9:45 the next morning. Order another whiskey coke at the bar even though you really don’t need it. Stay up until 4 a.m. just talking with a friend even if you have class in four hours. Don’t be a complete idiot of course, but making questionable decisions is a part of the college process, so enjoy them.

Secondly, don’t be afraid to take some chances. This goes well beyond college, but college is the perfect time to start. Getting out of your comfort zone is difficult but worth it. Join a club even if you don’t know anybody in it and it may seem time-consuming. Go up and talk to the girl or guy at the bar you’ve been looking at for an hour. Major in something you’re passionate about, even if your parents aren’t totally onboard with it. When you do take those chances, be confident in yourself. If you have confidence in yourself or your abilities, the comfort zone doesn’t seem so scary.

My last piece of advice is to live in the moment. Don’t look back on the past and let it ruin your present, and don’t let the stresses of tomorrow affect your today. Live life one moment at a time and as Stifler says in American Pie: “Just relax, take it slow, and let the good times roll.”

The Thoughts

Going into my senior year, I was well aware that graduation was around the corner. I remember being back the first night last semester and reminding myself to make this year count. I wanted to savor the moments, whether it was a fun Tuesday night at Pickle’s or a miserable Monday morning in my 8 a.m. No matter what the situation was or what was being thrown at me, I wanted to enjoy it all — good or bad. And I guess that’s what I want my message to be: Embrace the journey, no matter what happens along the way.

So as I come to the end of my college journey, I’m happy to say I’ve embraced it. People have been asking me for a couple months now if I am ready to graduate. Like the majority of seniors, my response was typically “No.” But as graduation creeps closer and closer, I’ve come to the realization that I am prepared to leave Penn State. Of course I don’t necessarily want to leave, but I’m leaving here knowing that Penn State will always be my home. I’m leaving here knowing that while my college years have been the best of my life, I’m ready to write the chapters that follow. I’m leaving Happy Valley knowing I’ve made the memories of a lifetime — and for that, I’m grateful.

For The Glory and For The Blog,

Patrick Koerbler
Penn State ’16