Everything all of a sudden came into fruition for me this last week of my undergraduate career here at Trinity.

In a matter of weeks, I will be walking across a stage, shaking hands with President Ahlburg and receiving a piece of paper that validates my four years of hard work and education.

I am extremely fortunate to have a job waiting for me in Houston, where I will join the real world and begin my climb up corporate America.

I believe I’m not alone when I say these last few weeks at Trinity are full of nostalgia and fortunately, satisfaction on how amazing my life has been up until now.

As my favorite poet Charles Bukowski said, “Life’s as kind as you let it be” and I can honestly say I couldn’t picture my life if I had not gone to Trinity. I suppose if you were to ask me for any pieces of advice, I would tell you three things.

First, surround yourself with people who are positive and make you happy. It sounds like such a simplistic thing, but I couldn’t imagine my four years here without my close friends. Find friends that make you happy, and make sure those people stay in your life. Surround yourself with people who embrace your weirdness (in my case especially) and don’t concern yourself with people who aren’t going to make a positive impact in your life.

Second, I know it sounds cliché, but it really is so important to find at least one professor here that you can connect with and truly have a supportive relationship with one another. Dr. Jacob Tingle has been that professor for me; I can not tell you how many times he goes out of his way to send me information about possible internships or even just ask how my day or life is going. Having this strong relationship with a professor who has so much to give and is willing to help you is instrumental.

Lastly, embrace everything life has to offer you here. Think about it, this should be some of the best four years of your life; we have the chance to find ourselves and really learn what is important in living a happy life. Don’t let the small stuff weigh you down! If you ask any of my friends, they will tell you I am the eternal optimist, the cool-headed rational guy who always just seems to be so calm. Well, I’ve endured a lot of hardship in my life up until this point, but all of it has really shaped me into who I am. So don’t get down, because life is too short and awesome to not embrace it to the fullest. Now go embrace it!

Sam Roberts is receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a minor in sport management.