Well, here we are once again. My final publication of the school year. Wow.
The other day, some of my friends who go to a different school were talking to me about how they read and enjoy my column. It was very sweet. I told them that I have been writing this column for three years now, and they were very surprised. For me, this column has been a staple of my college life. There is no Tufts for me without A Jumbo’s Journey.
But after our conversation, it dawned on me how crazy three years of writing this column is. Not just that I’ve been able to produce three years worth of content, but also how quickly three years have gone by. Time has literally slipped through my fingers.
Before I continue, I want to give a few thank-yous to show my gratitude. First, I want to thank the Daily and everyone who has had the misfortune of working on my column. A Jumbo’s Journey would not be what it is without the staff at the Daily. The difference between the rambling and indecipherable first drafts I turn in and what ends up being published is outstanding. Thank you to the staff for making this column possible and thank you to the Daily for allowing me to continue to write and share my thoughts with the world.
Second, I want to thank everyone who has read my column. I like to say that this column acts as my personal journal or diary, but in reality, it doesn’t. I write these publications because I want to share this experience with you all, and it still surprises me that people actually read my column. It is an honor and a privilege to have such an impactful platform. The fact that I’m able to spread at least some positivity and relatability in a tough world is heartwarming. So thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me; I hope you will continue with me next semester.
Time has literally slipped through my fingers. Not just this semester in Barcelona, but in general. It feels like I graduated high school last year, like I moved into Hodgdon Hall last week and like I arrived in Barcelona just yesterday.
I have fallen into the trap of not believing the saying that ‘college flies by’ and that ‘study abroad goes by in a heartbeat.’ There was a moment in February when I flew back to Barcelona from Prague and I came across a video talking about how quickly study abroad passes. I remember thinking to myself that I still had almost three months left. It was something I didn’t have to worry about yet. It felt far away, almost irrelevant.
Now, it’s over.
I’m a rising senior now. That’s crazy. It doesn’t feel like I’m a rising senior. I remember when I was a freshman, I would make fun of the seniors and call them “uncs.” Now, I’m going to be the exact same student I used to make fun of.
It seems like everyone is experiencing the same thing. Time is moving quickly, but we don’t feel it while it’s happening. We go about our days like they’re endless, like there’s always more time ahead. And then one day, you look up, and you’re a rising senior wondering where it all went.
This is a lesson that I feel like I’ve learned over and over again. This realization isn’t new to me. But somehow, I fall into the same trap every single time. While I’m in it, everything feels normal. Routine. Like it will always be there. And then, the moment it’s over, I want nothing more than to go right back. To have just a little more time, even though I knew all along that it wouldn’t last.
So, as I start my summer back in the U.S. and look forward to my last year at Tufts, my goal isn’t to never forget this lesson again — because that’s probably unrealistic — but rather to be more appreciative of every single moment while I’m still in them.
I’m going to have bad days during senior year. But instead of wishing them away, I want to appreciate that I even get them. I want to appreciate the excitement before a night out. The hard classes. The late nights. Even the treacherous walks up the hill.
Next year, I want to appreciate it all — even the fact that it’s coming to an end.
But, hey, I still have so much time. At least that’s what I’ll keep telling myself. And maybe this time, I’ll actually believe how quickly it can slip through my fingers.
Best of luck with finals, enjoy an amazing summer and try to be a little more appreciative every day.
Thank you, my dear readers, for another incredible year. I hope to see you next year to finish this Jumbo’s Journey together.
Hasta la próxima,
Ben Rachel
