As another season is coming to an end, it seems appropriate to spend time in reflection on the otherwise fleeting moments which have made up the years that passed by so quickly. Photo

Almost a month ago, I participated in my university’s graduation ceremonies. My friends and I rushed through last minute details as we prepared for final exams, finished projects and completed papers. As we caught each other briefly by cell phone between meetings, class and review sessions, each of us expressed the sentiment of dread we were feeling. It had come, the end of our college careers (for myself it was an additional surprise arriving a year early).

Most of my closest friends were on to exciting new adventures, most getting on planes within the week for foreign countries. These things remained the positive light at the end of another one of life’s tunnels. For myself, these brief conversations with each of my friends reiterated how precious our relationships were, and reminded me why I loved each of these people. They are world changers. I have no doubt about the significance of the impact that each of these women and men will have on the way the world functions. For this reason they each embark on a particular voyage into the unknown expanse which for many is called the ‘real world’, but I would argue that these individuals are not entering the real world but taking it with them. They hold within themselves the passion, excitement, dedication, values, ideals, questions and commitment that our world needs.

I spoke momentarily with a professor today about two of my close friends, Lynn Fine and Lisa McCandless, who had taken his class previously. He echoed my sentiments as he reflected on their enthusiasm and dynamic addition to the classroom. He added that his favorite students have usually been IDS (International Development Studies) students, for they constantly display these qualities. I believe as these people head from the classroom they will continue to brighten, challenge and change each corner of the world in which they arrive.

So it is with this firm belief in the people I have met during my time at UCLA, that I accept that they are no longer with me. I would be selfish if I asked each of these dear friends to stay in this little community known as Westwood village. It has been a wonderful community and has provided us the luxury of sharing late night walks, quick runs to get fro-yo, study time, communal dinners, deep conversations, work, tears, laughter, and much more. This is what I believe we will all miss the most. We have had the privilege of sharing with our closest friends our daily excitements and trials, we have been able to work together and to take moments to relax and laugh. We will never have this again. But the world now has an opportunity to meet and interact with my favorite people.