Last month at JMU for fun, memories

Dear Editor,

Class of 2004, as you sit here and read this letter, take a moment and note the date. Today is April 8, 2004. There’s exactly one month until graduation. That’s exactly 30 days, or 720 hours. One year ago, I sat in the places you are now, in the same mind-set. In class, you think about graduate school or job interviews; in those interviews you contemplate what’s going to happen this weekend; and at parties you wonder where the friends you have surrounded yourself with for these four — or five — years will be one year from now.

I remember the feeling. It’s at the intersection of excitement, fear, accomplishment, nervousness, confidence and caution. It’s such an emotionally charged and inspiring feeling, but has a draining element to it as well. It’s time to part with what you know and love at JMU, and to start the next chapter of your lives.

This is where my message to you comes — don’t start the next phase of your life just yet. Remember that you have 720 hours left to make an impact at James Madison. Don’t just talk about doing it; commit to action. Your style might lead you to do it in the classroom, within a student group or while talking to some underclassmen at PC Dukes. Leave a piece of yourself with someone on campus. Consider talking more with the lunch ladies, writing a thank you note to a staff member, or calling up Mark Warner, vice president of academic affairs, to set up an appointment just to have coffee.

In these last 30 days you are here, recognize that you are the cream of the crop. You’re what all the underclassmen are working to become. Bask in your position at the top and share your knowledge, your memories and your passion with anyone who is willing to absorb it. Take a minute to reflect on all of the things that you accomplished while you were here. Then take five more minutes and challenge someone else to do the same. Tell them that you believe in their abilities and mean it. Your confidence is the greatest gift you can offer.

One year ago, I came to the realization that I had only one month left. Rather than fear the last weeks slipping away, I took control and celebrated them. I made myself do one new thing each day and I didn’t go to bed until I had. I spent more time at Waffle House and Kline’s than I did sleeping. I took hours to finish meals, laughed far more often, and took rolls upon rolls of pictures. I made a conscious decision to get everything I could from the last month of my undergraduate career here. I made a month’s worth of memories that I will remember for the rest of my life. Think about how much value you put on your personal JMU story. You have 720 hours left — how do you want this chapter to end?

David Urso
Graduate student (‘03)