On Saturday, I’ll be a college graduate.

But instead of walking across a stage, I’ll be staring up at one among a crowd of fellow music lovers at Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago.

I never pictured myself as a commencement walker, so I’m not too torn up about missing the ceremony. But as I finish up my final homework assignments and editing this, my last issue of the BG News, I am already feeling nostalgic for my years as a BGSU student.

When I first came to Bowling Green, I didn’t know a single person. Born and raised in Michigan, I wasn’t a huge fan of Ohio, either, but I chose this University for its journalism program and the welcoming atmosphere I was embraced by during my visits.

My second week of school I was already sitting in my first BG News meeting and since then, the newsroom has been my second home.

I’ve learned the University can offer you an overwhelming amount of opportunities if you choose to take advantage of them. However, some of these experiences just aren’t available in Northwestern Ohio.

Like, ordering a strawberry gelato from a street vendor on an actual Italian street corner. Or hopping on a plane to spend the weekend in Greece.

The fall of my sophomore year, I chose not to return to campus. Instead, I spent the academic year in Florence, Italy, studying at an art school affiliated with the University.

I’ll be honest. The real reason I chose to study abroad was because I wasn’t happy here. In fact, ask any of my friends and they’ll tell you I am still no Falcon fanatic.

But through all my experiences, both on campus and off, I have started to understand who I am and have a pretty clear glance into my future.

And without a BGSU education or the people I have met here, those things wouldn’t have been possible.

I’m not saying everyone shared my same experiences, or saw the University the way I did. I am saying those leaving with the best memories are the students who took advantage of the resources around them and really jumped into a college experience. I encourage you to do the same.

Surprisingly enough, to myself and my friends, I will return to campus for Homecoming. Look for me in the BG News Alumni tent.

I’ll see you then.