Over the weekend, I celebrated my fourth workiversary at Mount Holyoke College. How the time flies! The last week or so felt like my first weeks on campus: quiet. The middle of May has a unique 'here today, gone tomorrow feel' as exams end; students haul their luggage towards cars and buses away from campus, and faculty decamp to their summer routines.
I remember anticipating the arrival of the class of 2017 in 2013 as I prepared for their orientation, their first M&Cs in the library, and in collaboration with colleagues from DAPS and Archives, a digital exhibition. New to Mount Holyoke myself, I read about the traditions, the history, and of course, the class colors and mascots. Quietly aligning myself with the class of 2017, I considered myself a Green Griffin, the mascot for that incoming class. After all, I was a first year, too.
Summer ended and fall began; the class of 2017 began their college careers and I met some of them in classes and one-on-one consultations. I grew to know some of them better. As the years passed, I enjoyed a certain amount of continuity in the student body; I never felt that before having moved jobs after two years in my previous positions. As I ended year three, I realized that I would watch the firsties I welcomed in 2013 blossom into seniors.
Over the last week, I've seen the seniors roving the empty campus. I smile at them, silently wishing them well.
For the students I developed a relationship with, it's been a pleasure to learn about their future plans and congratulate them. And for the few I've known throughout the four years, it's been remarkable to see them grow into themselves. I am lucky to have born witness to their transformations.
Congratulations!