Gradumacation... or Something

I don't have a lot of time because I'm about to go to bed (have to get up at 7 am tomorrow), but I did want to get a post on here before graduation, outlining what'll be happening over the next week or so.

Graduation is on Monday (two days from now), so tomorrow, the family and I are going up to Lehigh to get ready for that, and also to attend baccalaureate. I'm excited, but my excitement is muted by the fact that I don't feel like a graduate. I mean, when I think about all I've done at school, yes, I've certainly earned my computer science degree by now, but I'm not actually leaving school (good ol' President's Scholar program), and I don't have much to show yet, other than experience and (hopefully) a bit more wisdom. And a bunch of computer programs that won't be of much use outside of school. But based on college grads I've talked to, that's fairly typical; what you really take away from college is a greater ability to learn and adapt and a sharpened outlook on life (in theory), not necessarily all the skills you'll use in your career. After all, in my mind, college is supposed to be more than a technical school. In terms of personal growth, I'd say that I made good strides this year. I did push myself outside of my comfort zone by performing in two improv group performances and presenting at DWS. I'm not as confident in myself as I could be, but I'm getting there and I am actually making an effort for once, so I can't complain. It'd be nice if I could apply that new confidence to my personal life, but that's a whole other story; one step at a time.

So it'll be odd walking across that stage on Monday; I won't really know how I'll react until then. I'll be saying some goodbyes to my senior friends who are actually leaving, which'll be sad, but I'm certain that the ones who I care about (and vice versa) will stay in touch, and by now, I'm used to the notion of life moving on. C'est la vie, non?

Speaking of French (or rather, in French :-P ), my studies in France begin next weekend. I'll be trying to travel as much as possible (assuming my host family is permissive), and I'm still open to suggestions. Anywhere in Europe that I must visit? Also, I'm hearing that some of my friends may be in Europe this summer. Are you one of those people? If so, let me know, and we'll see if we can arrange a day or two to meet up; that would be extremely awesome.

Between graduation and the 26th, I'll be home. If I haven't seen you yet, that'll be the last window of opportunity for us to hang out in Salisbury before my trip. After that, it'll be 6 weeks before we can try again. I think I've seen everyone I'm going to be able to see, but if I missed you, inform me of the error of my ways.

Oh, and to reiterate, I still plan on updating this during my European excursions, but it all depends on how much time I'm willing to spend in a computer center. Every minute in there will be a minute I'm not traveling, so my blog updates will probably occur when I have actual work to do and I'm trying to postpone my work as much as possible. As usual. :-) If I find myself without time to update the blog, I'll at least put up a post saying that. But regardless, I should have a pre-departure post up within the next week.

PS I just noticed that, a couple of posts ago, I mentioned that I was going to take some pictures of Lehigh's campus. I did get around to that, and I will upload those, along with my graduation pictures, after (logically enough) graduation. Sorry about the delay!