I wish I had something to say about Trinity and the Trinity experience that hasn’t already been said (if not in this graduation issue, then in some from years prior), but it is my general belief that true originality is an unattainable goal, especially given my limited writing capabilities. Thus, the following is an attempt to discard my apprehension of cliches and simply write what I think. I will do this, of course, using an organizational structure based on a Clint Eastwood movie that I’ve never seen and that has likely been overused in prose composition for decades.

The Good

Trinity University fosters community in a way that feels somewhat forced at times. (“Wait, Katherine, this is “˜The Good’ Section.””¦I know, I know, just relax for a second.) Trinity’s forced community was absolutely perfect for a socially-apprehensive individual such as myself. The living situation provided (monopolized?) by Trinity allowed me to foster friendships that might not otherwise have been possible, and ultimately I’m grateful for it.

In addition to a community of peers, Trinity provided me with a network of faculty and staff that are absolutely unparalleled. I’d like to take a quick respite from my snarky words and give a quick, yet sincere, “thank you” shout-out to the “real adults” who have truly helped me during the past few years. You were there to help me figure out my passions, set goals for myself and ultimately attain those goals.

You know your school’s faculty is special when you find yourself extremely frustrated by one faculty member’s refusal to friend you on Facebook. (Yes, I know you’re reading this, and I’m talking to you! How will we keep in touch?!)

The Bad

I like to tell myself that it takes a sense of maturity to constructively criticize the university you love so dearly. Rather than list my grievances Buzzfeed-style, I would like simply to state my wish for Trinity’s continuing commitment in fostering the ultimate college experience for the kids who are lucky enough to go here.

Do what you can to serve good food. Figure out a way to get cell phone service to the computer science wing of the new CSI building. Replace the carpet in the dorms as often as possible.

Trinity, if you can handle these humble suggestions from a graduating senior and can continue to make improvements based on student feedback, I have to admit “The Bad” found at Trinity University really ain’t that bad.

The Ugly

The only truly ugly thing about my time spent at Trinity is the face I make when walking by a somewhat-distant acquaintance. Should I smile? Look down? Wave? The resulting hodgepodge of body language and facial cues I exhibit is utterly repulsive. I appreciate the opportunity provided by Trinity’s size to continually question my understanding of social norms.

Ultimately, the Trinity experience is irreplaceable, and I hope my words have adequately captured this fact. Although I’m ready to spread my wings and fly (More cliches! Metaphors, that’s a writing thing, right?), I am very saddened to leave behind the place that has become my home. I hope the alumni network will still have me even after this article because I honestly can’t wait to see how much Trinity can offer me, even when years have passed and I’m miles away from our weird, beautiful little bubble.

It’s been a great four years. It was a complete and total mess, but it was perfect, and I wouldn’t have it any other fracking way. Thanks, Trinity.

Katherine Kroll is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration and a Bachelor of Science in computer science.