What can I say about Vassar,
That can’t be said about the others?
That I built a family on this campus?
New sisters and new brothers?
No, that’s too easy,
It doesn’t make me think.
It doesn’t give, “Raise your glass.”
It gives, “Yeah, I guess I’ll drink.”
I had so very little purpose,
Y’know, fresh out the gate.
I thought of this as a real start,
Honestly? A professionally cleaned slate.
I mean, I still wake up early,
And know exactly what to do.
I know just when to go to boxing,
And I memorized rugby practice times too.
I know where all the bathrooms are,
I talk to the AFC crew.
And if you need a nice place to study,
I might just know a few.
Don’t get me wrong…
My GPA could be higher,
But my involvement is where I excel.
Russian, Athletics, Philosophy.
I was wrong to think school would be hell.
It’s senior year now, though;
and I was definitely proven wrong.
I didn’t think that I could contribute
To the Vassar College Student Song.
The song that wipes away the tears,
The song that builds you up.
The song that’s sung throughout the years,
The song that fills the cup.
The song that introduces you,
To your best and worst friends.
The song that boils your blood sometimes.
The song that asks for amends.
The song that you know instinctively.
The song that transcends the strife.
The song of the Vassar College Student.
The song that you’ll carry for life.
I’m proud to become an Alumni,
For the school that helped me face my fears.
I can’t wait to walk down the line,
Heart full of joy and a face full of new tears.
It’s been real and it’s been fun,
And it’s been real fun.
Thank you, Vassar College, for everything you have given me—and for everyone you have introduced me to. For better or for worse.
The U.S. Army taught me a lot. I practically grew up in it. From 2014 to 2022, all I knew was
the routine in front of me and the countless bad ideas I came up with when I had
nothing better to do. Along the way, I made friends—family, really—who will be a part of
my life forever. It had its ups and downs, but I do not regret the years it took to shape me
into the stubborn, strong-willed and sometimes falsely confident person I am today.
Vassar was almost the same kind of transition. I left the Army without a plan, just like
when I signed the contract right out of high school—with more guts than guidance. And now, it seems I am leaving with that same feeling in my chest. Except this time, I do have
a plan. I have goals, wants and needs that are not dependent on getting permission to
make a move or worrying about the grade I will get for it. Vassar gave me direction, and I do not intend to squander it.
The Army taught me how to be strong and push past my limits. Vassar taught me how to
embrace who I am—and to know which limits are worth pushing. I cannot wait to see what comes next. After 12 years of figuring out the kind of person I want to be, I am finally excited to see how I will thrive. Stay lit, stay safe and take care of each other. You are in good hands.