Life Advice: The End of an Era
Q1: Well, it’s finally spring term. I’m a four year senior, and the fact that everything is coming to a close is hitting me like a freight train. It’s a bittersweet moment: I’m going to miss everyone and everything—the all-nighters, the painful final weeks—even though graduation has so much to offer. I’m sure college and grad trips will be great, but for now, I’m suffering from separation anxiety. How do I deal?
OGSimpy: Speaking as a three year senior, even though my time here has been short and quick, from an immature fifteen-year-old to a still-kinda-immature seventeen-year old, I’ve grown up here. Exeter (and Ewald) was and is my home, and the people I’ve met here mean more to me than anyone. I, too, am suffering from separation anxiety, and there are a few things that I’m trying to keep in my mind during these next few weeks. For one, take it easy. College is important and, yes, there are still things to worry and stress over, but this is the last chance we have to do everything we’ve wanted to do at Exeter. Get your work done, but don’t spend all of your days and nights studying—get out and go on an adventure or two. Spend time with the friends you love most and meet a few more while you have the chance. Explore the town. There are no bars or nightclubs, but there are pastures and rivers that are worth experiencing. Skip a required appointment and go star gazing with your crush. It’s been a journey, and Yusuke and I have spent more than one night arguing over who’s going to cry the most the last night. Have an emotional and memorable last ten weeks. Enjoy yourselves. Cheers <3!
OGYoosk: When I leave this place, I think what I will miss the most are the people I’ve met over the course of my Exeter journey. All I can say is try to make the best out of your last term. Take full advantage of the nicer weather, go on adventures and try to spend a lot of your time with your homies. Even though graduation will surely be a bittersweet moment for all seniors, it doesn’t mean that you and your friends won’t be able to talk or see each other in the future. I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities down the road for you and your friends to visit each other in college and keep in touch. Cherish the friendships you form during your time left here, but also try to be optimistic about all the new people you’ll meet in college.
Q2: I’m a senior, and what can I say, its been a rough three years. I fear all too much that I’m going to graduate with regrets that I don’t want to have. What do I do to make my senior spring and grad trip a legendary end to my high school career?
OGSimpy: A few senior dormmates and I actually took the initiative and made ourselves a little bucket list with both group and individual goals. It’s a great idea, if I do say so myself. I plan to coach Yusuke as he grows a man bun, and support my homie Jad while he makes only Pokémon noises for a whole class. Do you, and don’t let anyone mess up your spring. Live these next few months for yourself, and make more memories so that you can have some stories to tell in your early twenties.
OGYoosk: The greatest aspect of spring term is without a doubt the great weather, so try to take full advantage of it. I know a bunch of dorms are playing soccer in the Hassan Premier League, which is a great way to bond with your dormmates and show dorm pride. Also be willing to take risks and do a bunch of stupid things. Last spring, I was walking back to Ewald with a hotdog from D-Hall in hand, when suddenly, a seagull came swooping in and stole my hotdog. In order to get revenge, I’ve decided that the next time D-Hall is serving hot dogs, I’m going to use the hotdog as bait to challenge the seagull to a duel. As a wise senior once told me, “Do it for the story.”
Q3: I hear Life Advice with Yusuke and Mason is coming to an end. It’s unfortunate, but under your guidance, I’ve done things I never thought I’d ever do. Thank you for everything—but there’s just one more question. Without your tips and tricks in the Exonian, I fear I’ll be lost in the merciless world that is Exeter. How do I leave the nest and be independent?
OGSimpy: There’s good news to all who have developed a dependence on our weekly advice. We will be passing on our legacy. These two are youngins with much to learn, but they have undergone grueling testing and preparation and we know and trust that all of you will be safe under their protection. Your two lucky leaders are Nolan Peacock and Jake Malasek. Show them love. Remember: much love, much peace, all soul.
Postscript: It’s been an honor. We’ve learned more from you guys than we have from our classes. We may not have learned how to balance chemical equations or tie together a 333, but we took away something even more valuable...we learned how to LOVE. Love to the fans, love to all the homies in class of 2015 and good luck to all the uppers, lowers and preps. One love.
-Yusuke and Mason