by Craig Dixon

For some reason, Appalachian State University has decided to give me a degree. I’m not sure if I’ve earned it or if they just got sick of seeing me hanging around Walker Hall, but the rumor is they’re letting me go in May.

More amazingly, The Appalachian editors have made the mistake of letting me write a goodbye. So now I’ll do the cliché thing and reflect upon this era of all-nighters, hangovers, exams and life lessons.

Beyond parties and epic football, I’ve met famous politicians. I’ve fallen in love and back out again. I’ve stolen trays from Welborn Cafeteria to go sledding. I’ve had close calls with the five-o. I’ve hiked mountains, smoked expensive cigars and taken my car up to 115 mph. I went to the other side of the world. I’ve even gotten some of this messy writing published.

I’ve done a lot in the past half-decade.

At 23, my “freshman 15” has become a “college 30.” My joints are getting creaky. My once long, thick, hair has given way to a thinning hairline that is running away from my face as fast as it can.

That 3 a.m. bedtime I had at 18—its been scaled back to about 11 p.m.

I’m an old man; ancient; I’m a tomb on legs.

I’m a legendary creature known as a “super-senior.”

When you’re nearing graduation, when you are bordering on senility like I am, when your creaking knees start to sound like your grandmother’s hardwood floor, I want you to know who you are.

Know what you love. Know what you believe in. Know who you are.

Sometimes, I’ve downright hated it here. I’ve grown exceedingly tired of Boone, I’ve run across a person or two I didn’t mesh with and let’s not get started on how much I think dating here sucks (I’ve outsourced to other schools for girlfriends).

I can’t forget just how exciting the Boone traffic is—words cannot express the disdain I’ve developed for the stoplight at the Wendy’s intersection.

But part of the blame for me not always being happy falls onto my own shoulders. This wasn’t my dream school and I fought the idea of enjoying it for a long time.

I slacked off.

It’s my only regret.

I wasted my first three years here. I majored in English because I thought it was easy. I went home every weekend. I didn’t care about writing articles, or joining clubs. I sat around playing videogames.

Then something hit me. I realized I was letting life pass me by.

I started playing Airsoft, took up martial arts, went to New Zealand with Outdoor Programs and switched my major. 

I took up shooting, became active in politics, started hiking and writing as much as possible. I actually started going to class and even enjoyed it.

My final two years here have been my best; I’ve grown up and learned to be responsible.

Go out, do something other than partying or playing video games.

College is supposed to be about exploring, but a lot of people hide in their shells and do not go outside like they should. For a time, I was one of them.

Complacency will rot your spirit and your soul. Don’t rob yourself of the chance to discover the world.

I’ll leave you with a quote from the great Muhammad Ali, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”

Take risks. Make bold moves. Make every single day here count – even the ones that tick you off.

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