It’s an odd thing to simply wake up one day and be done with something that has played such a large part in your life. Soon, I’ll be ending my four-year career with The Baylor Lariat. Originally, I was going to write about that to end my time here, but I just couldn’t see anything more fitting than writing about the man who got me where I am today.

Look, everyone’s college journey is different, but it’s safe to say each member of the graduating class has a one-up saved in their back pocket for the “when I was a college student” conversations that pop up during family and work outings. On a more serious note, there is reason to celebrate, because the class of 2024 overcame unique hurdles to finally walk the stage.

When most people think fondly of summer, it normally involves hot days spent splashing at the pool, laughter from friends both new and old and the “cha-ching!” of a biweekly paycheck hitting your account. Sure — to most, working in the summer is an effort to fund another Cowboy Coffee for when you desperately need a pick-me-up. But if you give them the chance, summer jobs have more life lessons packed into them than you would think.

After a hectic year of classes, many students take the opportunity to rest and recharge during the summer. While I understand wanting to take a break, I think students should be more open to taking summer classes. Taking summer classes helps you complete hours in a cheaper, more individualized way.

While test anxiety is nothing new — and many of our parents and grandparents have similar stories of their hearts racing and palms sweating before being handed an exam — there is an alternative: final essays.

Whether it’s hosting several service days throughout the semester, partnering with nonprofits to spread awareness or creating more service projects for students to participate in, there are so many opportunities for Baylor to highlight the needs of the Waco community.