Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024! We did it! After four incredible years, we’ve finished our undergraduate education. It all went by so fast that I still struggle to reflect on it, even months afterward. During this time, I’ve been taking a break from school to pursue interests that being a full-time student had precluded. Without the time constraints of college, I’ve been able to save money and travel! Since last May, I’ve gone to Northern Europe, touring the Nordic region with friends from college, and even taken a month-long trip to Japan—something I had always wanted to do. I’ve also started playing bass in the band Dock Street, made up of me and three other guys from the island. It’s been so energizing to get back into music, as this was one of my passions that took a backseat during my time in college. I’ve always considered making music with friends to be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling pursuits, so I’m grateful to have this opportunity to play in a band again.  While I’ve enjoyed my time away from school, I’ve always been thinking about the next step in my education. I love learning, and although the potential to learn is always around us, no matter the environment, I think I want to pursue my interests within the structure of graduate school. One of the most valuable things I’ve done since finishing my undergraduate degree is speak to professionals in different fields. I’m exploring different options for graduate school, and these conversations have given me valuable insight into potential career paths and academic programs. By taking this time to talk with people and do my own research, I hope to enter graduate school with a clear direction and goal in mind. In the meantime, I plan to keep playing bass and learning about the world outside the classroom.