Seniors, celebrate that fifth year

By Kris Turner

Created:
03/24/08 8:14pm

Last updated:
03/24/08 8:14pm

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Five years.

To most people, it’s half a decade.

To me, it’s a “Victory Lap.” That’s what I’m calling my next, fifth year in college.
At first, it was scary to see some of my oldest friends stepping out into the “real world.” But I now realize that this coming year shouldn’t be looked upon as a burden, it should be a celebration. I should take the time to enjoy my life, aside from work and classes.

I will participate in everything it means to be a Spartan – the tailgates, football games and house parties – one last time. College should be savored and I intend to indulge my appetite for fun. This is the last time in our lives that we can ditch class to head to the mall or spend an afternoon lying in the sun.

The “real world” can wait, at least for another year. When at the bar last Wednesday, a friend who is graduating after four years said she wishes she had one more year to be a student. She said graduating in four years is like leaving a party at midnight, which every Spartan knows is a complete faux pas. The second keg wouldn’t have even been tapped.

College isn’t about books – it’s about the people you meet and the relationships you build. A fifth year is another chance to do just that. And to anyone who says college should be completed in four years, lighten up. You clearly didn’t ever take a semester off or reduce your class load to have a little fun.

To all my other fifth year seniors: Let’s keep on running, because a “Victory Lap” is that good. Just remember to stay focused so you don’t drop out of the race.

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About Man About Town

Veteran staffer and super senior Kris Turner writes about life in “E.L.” and all the things associated with it.

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