By Josephine Scalia

I don’t particularly like change. I never have, and I likely never will. At the same time, it is inevitable, leaving me in a bit of a predicament.

Recently, I woke up in a sheer panic realizing that graduation was only a few weeks away. While I obviously knew about this event looming over my head as it is effectively what I have worked tirelessly for, I was struck with an overwhelming sense of clarity.  

This in-between period taking place from now until graduation has left me hyper fixating on the “What’s next?” chapter of my life. At times, I still feel like the confused and nervous freshman I was on my first day of college in August of 2022. I must admit I’m not totally sure where the last four years have gone.  

Many people in my life have asked the standard question, “How does it feel to graduate?” 

I am left stricken with anxiety and apprehension for what’s to come. I knew Adelphi wouldn’t be my forever home, but rather serve as a stepping stone prepping me for the real world.

Oftentimes, I deal with bouts of insomnia that leave me grappling with some of my biggest fears, which recently are shockingly tied to my future. Where will I end up? Who will be by my side? And the most frightening: Will I be happy?  

I don’t know. And I won’t be granted the answer until I actually go find out for myself.  These past four years have been instrumental in my self-development. It’s so easy to be self-critical and hold onto meaningless regrets, but if I take a few moments to truly look back on the person I was four years ago compared to now, I’ve come pretty far. I’ve honed in on my interests, declared a major, made friends, lost friends and learned so many incredible things.

I must thank the many kind professors I have encountered during my time as an English major as well as being part of the STEP program. Their guidance has been invaluable and I can never thank them all enough. Additionally, I must acknowledge that my on-campus employment in the Office of External Relations and Special Events has been pivotal in my self-growth and confidence. This job has given me the opportunity to meet and work with so many incredible people, and taught me the importance of organization, collaboration and problem solving which will absolutely help me in my future career as an elementary school teacher.

I didn’t want to waste my final moments of undergrad, so I went into my senior year not wanting to miss out on any experiences that I had previously not participated in, whether it be by making excuses or not feeling confident enough. One of the first things I did was sign up to join The Delphian at the fall club fair. I have been an avid reader since freshman year and dreamed of playing some role in producing the newspaper. 

Being part of The Delphian has directly shown me the importance of empathy, persistence and collaboration in an increasingly apathetic and isolated world. I am also profoundly grateful to work alongside some of the most creative and intelligent people Adelphi has to offer. It was truly a privilege to write for The Delphian under the supervision of our wonderful editors as well as Professor Valenza who truly believes in the voice of the students.

I’ve spent a lot of time in my short existence waiting for opportunities of all kinds to magically trip and fall into my lap. Let this be my plea to you: Do not wait. Go out and seize the day!