This morning I had to glance twice at my calendarin disbelief. Look around my room, marvel at its transformation from new and strange, into comfortable and safe, then out my window and wonder when such an amazing view became so familiar to me. Smile at these beautiful buildings and spaces, both young and old that already hold such fond memories for me. The spring sun shines through the clouds and it finally all becomes real – first year is over.

I remember the way it was just a few short months ago. Who I was, and what this place was to me. To say the least, I was scared. A new home, a new school and all the stress and pressures that come along with it. Living alongside strangers sharing your time and space with people you know nothing about. Monstrous assignments that dwarf any school work you have done in the past. First year of university is enough to shake even the sturdiest of dispositions, and I was certainly no exception. 

But somewhere along the way all that changed, those assignments seemed to become more obtainable. Challenging, rather than crippling. And almost overnight, strangers became friends, and friends became family. So close it pains me to see them pack up their things and leave as exams begin winding down.

Everyone kept telling me first year would fly by, be here one day and gone the next. I never could have expected it to be this fast. I still catch myself humming the college cheers from ISW, still feeling the adrenaline of Head of The Trent, still remember the first snow fall tumbling down onto the river and eventually freezing the mighty Otonabee solid.

Even after all this time the sights and sounds of Trent University still amaze me. I am still in awe at the size and strength of the Otonabee River, I still shyly shuffle to my seat inside the massive Wenjack Theatre, still slow my pace and enjoy the courtyard of Lady Eaton, and I’m still taken by the brilliance of Bata Library.

From the drumlin to the DNA Building, Trent has become familiar, but not any less incredible. I have learned so many invaluable lessons, met so many irreplaceable people. I grew up a lot and learned a lot about myself as a person. And as the ice and snow finally begin to thaw and the cool April air rolls over the hillside, I realize I am ready for this portion of my university career, this chapter of my life, to be over and ready to move on to the next chapter.

Tis the season for rolling suitcases, final lectures and all night study dates, dorm room doors closing for good, and teary-eyed summertime goodbyes to new best friends. Among it all is an unmistakeable, and understandable sense of sadness, nervousness and confusion about what happens next. But in me, I am certain that I could not reasonably ask for a better first year.

So above all else I am thankful. Thankful for the people I met, the lessons I learned and the experiences I can now call my own. A first year to cherish.

Thank you Trent, and see you in September.