Sam Allen

Senior year at Vassar is a whirlwind of experiences. Although I have always loved Vassar, I have never appreciated it more than during my senior year. Hell, I even enjoyed clearing the snow off my car after winter break (the 2nd through 10th times not so much). But what I have come to really appreciate about Vassar is the freedom and openness with which it, the College, the faculty, the staff, and the students have accepted me for exactly who I am – once I figured that out.

Senior year is a time of introspection for many, and although I knew this, I never could have predicted all the twists and turns that have shaped me, I hope for the better. I struggled for many years with my self-esteem, my body, my emotions, my academics, my friends, etc; but now I can truly say that I love myself, something I thought I might not ever achieve. I'm not the smartest, the prettiest or with the most friends on Facebook; but I'm happy, and that's really what matters in the end.

In the past year my world felt like it was turned upside down over and over again, but a few months ago, I landed perfectly on my feet. Then I realised, that's what life is all about: change. If we don't take those moments for ourselves, we may never adapt, as the world is not constant and life is not stagnant, but fluid. Learning is certainly fluid; we discover new things everyday, and our understanding of how it all works changes. Every professor has their own views on their subject, and that's really what makes a Vassar education so great. Being at Vassar let me take a harsh look at my beliefs, I used to be closed-minded and stubborn, but through countless political, religious, and scientific arguments, I have seen such broad views and learnt that often, it's okay to disagree or to change your mind about something – that's what learning is, isn't it?

My favourite part of senior year has probably been the time I've spent wandering around this beautiful campus. There is a tree outside Noyes by the bench, it is one that I had never really looked at until a few weeks ago. The tree was dedicated to the memory of Christopher Howland Webber, Class of 2005. It had inspirational quotes on it from Gandhi and Jack London's "Credo," but what struck me the most was in ten simple words, "Transcend categories. Mix it up. Do what makes you happy." Although I never knew Webber, I will live by his words. They encompass everything Vassar has meant to me, and at the same time have taken away the fear I once felt about leaving this place. Vassar has shaped us all, but it is now time to show the world what we're made of. Good luck to you all, Class of 2011. I wish you all the best, and can't wait to hear of all your great endeavors.

—Samantha Allen is the outgoing president of the Terrace Appartments.