All good things must come to an end

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A semester ago I took a quick sprint down memory lane. At the time, although I claimed ‘my days as an undergraduate are numbered’ I had one more semester in hand. Today, with just a month to go, my final days as an undergrad are truly closing in. Although finishing our exams is a relief, it’s a temporary feeling. There is still our research dissertation to work on and a seminar to prepare for. While we’re at it, I know time will fly past us and come February we will be treading on different paths.

This past semester consisted of many ‘lasts’ – things we did for the last time as an undergrad. We made a huge deal of our last first day of the year, last field visit, last assignment, last lecture and our last exam, only to name a few! With each memory we collected we were reminded of one of the basic rules of life – all good things must come to an end.

Six years ago when I left school I didn’t know what life would have in store for me. I couldn’t bear the thought of not seeing my friends on a daily basis and not being able to walk around school as and when I wanted to. Today I am going through similar emotions. I don’t want to stop being an undergrad! In fact, I want to go back to my first year and relive my years as an undergrad, all over again. Unfortunately we can’t go back in time. Our only consolation lies in the fact that we have countless memories, photographs and the strong ties of friendship (we’ve made over the years) to hold on to. It’s relieving to know technology is on our side. Mobile phones and social media will make sure we don’t forget our friends (nor their birthdays)!

When I went into my final semester I expected it to be very hectic and that it wouldn’t be much fun. I was wrong. Well, it was hectic BUT we managed to have as  much fun as we possibly could. Looking back this is probably the semester during which we did the most amount of spontaneous things! We went to watch a stage drama, went to the movies, went shopping, explored Viharamaha Devi Park, sat under the trees at Independence Square and checked out eateries (both old and new) to satisfy our cravings! Looking back, these were definitely some of the best moments of my life.

I know that these last four years at the University of Colombo have transformed me into a different human being. My degree in environmental science has taught me a great deal about the ENVIRONMENT, and has instilled in me a sense of responsibility in taking care of our planet. But that’s not all. My life at the university has taught me remarkable lessons about PEOPLE. I have learnt to not be quick to judge people and to not expect them to be a certain way. That way you’ll never be disappointed. When a group of individuals from different backgrounds come together, friendship is built on the understanding and respect they have for one another, and it is a truly beautiful phenomenon.

So as we prepare for new beginnings let me leave you with a few things I took from this past semester: Strive to make the best of everything that comes your way. Enjoy the simple pleasures in life. You’ll realize with time that those are the moments that mould you into a better human being. Be spontaneous because most plans don’t work out anyway (I know this from experience! 😀 ). Don’t worry about the things that are beyond your control (easier said than done). Sometimes it’s better to let go and live a little. All good things must come to an end but don’t let that stop you from being a happy person; who knows, maybe the next chapter might be the best chapter of your life!

Photo courtesy: Sahan Siriwardana