A Mix of Sun and Clouds Accelerated Learning Resources

A Mix of Sun and Clouds

The forecast for Washington, D.C.: Thunderstorms with temperatures in the mid 50s, by the end of the week, sunny and entering the low 80s.

One morning I wake up to the bright sun, the sound of birds fill the fresh spring air, and at the next moment, the pounding of rain overtakes the morning. The spring weather in Washington is as fickle as my mood. I am ready and eager to finish classes, graduate and begin work. New-hire webinars and networking nights are scheduled for the month and restaurant reservations are finalized for graduation weekend. But with a sunny and warm future, it’s hard to keep the clouds away.

I have moments of weariness about the conclusion of my college experience. I cannot believe how quickly time passed the last three years. However, this semester, the days seemed slower and time was in abundance; graduation was a distant event. I am looking at apartments and shopping for suits. But as professors began to discuss final paper deadlines, I began to feel the reality of graduation. The Finest Fifteen had their last dinner for the year, and as we spoke that evening, I slowly began to realize how dispersed we will be in the next year. Many have determined their next steps, one moving to Paris for graduate studies, one to Denver to teach and several to jobs in Washington, D.C. and New York City.

The new class of 2015 was notified of their admittance, and campus tours are in full gear. Next week, I will sit on a panel designed to provide admitted students with an opportunity to inquire about the university. These students are beginning a dramatic transition from high school to college, one that I navigated only four years ago. As I felt entering college, I am again struggling with anticipation for the future and a longing for the past. I do not expect these feelings to dissolve completely, as it is an indicator of past enjoyment and satisfaction with my senior year and college experience. I know change is inevitable, but that does not mean it is easy. The weather forecast this weekend: sunny, high 70s and (most likely) a chance of thunderstorms.

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