Anna Rinaggio, Campus Carrier copy editor

When I made the decision to come to Berry four fateful years ago, I told everyone that it was because I liked the opportunities it offered. At that point, I was mainly referring to LifeWorks, but throughout my time here, I’ve realized that the word applies to far more than that. No, I don’t just mean “opportunities” in the boring way — jobs and internships and networking — I mean it in all the fun ways, too: KCAB events, your favorite campus club, the serene nature we get to see every day. So, as a senior graduating in T-minus 30 days, let me bestow the great knowledge I have acquired so that you, too, can make the best of every minute here. 

First on the list: take the opportunity to explore more of our gorgeous campus. It’s so easy to stay on our little street down here and never venture beyond the confines of class and your dorm. We have so many beautiful spots (the House of Dreams being one of my personal favorites) within arm’s reach that you’ll likely never again have such easy access to once you graduate. I’m not saying you need to hike every trail that’s ever existed here, but go up to Mountain Campus, find a spot to lay down a blanket, and enjoy an afternoon in the sun. You won’t regret it. 

If you’re still early enough in your Berry career, consider studying abroad. Let me tell you, I was about as anti-study abroad as it gets before I came here, too anxious to even think about leaving the country by myself for a whole semester. But when I finally got the guts to do it and went to Costa Rica for four months, I can say without a doubt that it was the best decision I ever made here. It was cheap and without a doubt the most fun semester of my life. This is one of the best deals that Berry will offer you, and I definitely encourage you to take it if you can. 

My big Berry hot take? Go to all the CE credits you can. I know a lot of people find them to be just an annoying requirement for graduation, but I think it’s one of the best things Berry does for us. We’re meeting all kinds of people and hearing all kinds of lectures that we might never have met or heard otherwise. Maybe not all of them spark your interest, and that’s okay, but think about all the little nuggets you’re picking up on the way. These are the little bits of info you bring up at networking events and dinner parties to make yourself sound super smart (even if you barely know anything beyond that tidbit) and make yourself stand out from everyone else. 

Finally, enjoy the opportunity to have such a large network of people who care about you within arm’s reach. What a blessing it is to be able to see your best friend every single day, to pop in for a quick talk with your mentor whenever you feel like it, to see people you know every time you walk to class. Personally, I’m moving to a new country after graduation, and I know I’m going to miss seeing all these familiar faces. Perhaps living in a freshman dorm isn’t the highlight of your Berry journey, but make sure to appreciate the community it gives you; it’s not often we get to be so close with those we love.