Etterath
May, 5 2024
Writer: Caroline Tully
definition: the feeling of emptiness after a long and arduous process is finally complete
It’s graduation day. I’ve hoped and prayed and wished for this day to come and, more importantly, for the opportunity to share it with the people I love most. When I first committed to Michigan, I was petrified. I knew a total of 5 people coming into freshman year and had never even had a tour of campus. College, and specifically Michigan, felt so daunting to me. Starting this new chapter of my life in the middle of a global pandemic certainly didn’t help these feelings of uncertainty.
When my parents dropped me off on the first day, I remember everything down to what I was wearing. I walked to the dining hall to meet my new roommate and four other girls who I would quickly become inseparable from for the next three months. They made the fever dream that was freshman year a dream: I didn’t think college could get any better beyond the tight, ugly, and hot dorm rooms of Mary Markley. I spent every year after that learning just how wonderful Michigan would be.
I have been able to create meaningful work beyond my imaginations through my clubs and organization on campus. I’ve written dozens of articles for Hopelessly Yellow that have inspired me to look deeply at the world around me. I’ve been able to hoan my interest in fashion by writing for MASH Magazine. I have given countless campus tours to admitted students and shown them how much I love this school. I’ve created a podcast with my best friend where I feel free to talk about anything and everything.
I have taken advantage of every academic opportunity that has been handed to me. I’ve learned from incredible nurses and preceptors in the 1,000+ hours I’ve spent in clinicals. I’ve done everything from learning how to take a blood pressure to performing chest compressions in a Code Blue. I’ve taken on a minor in writing that has pushed me to explore my creative interests, as well. I’ve worked as a patient care technician at Michigan Medicine, a student nurse intern at Northwestern Medicine, and am starting my dream job in the fall as a cardiac transplant ICU nurse.
The greatest gift this university has brought me, however, is the people. Aleezah, Ava, and Kayla made our senior house a home. Dr. Hunt pushed me to keep asking questions and always learn more. Charlie, Sarah, Mo, Phoebe, and Varun made waking up at 7 am on Mondays and Saturdays worth it. Dr. Marsh shared her stories and wisdom with me about the real world. Lauren and I went on walks and had conversations that have solved all the world's problems. Sam and Zoie sat with me during clinicals when it all became too much for me. Alex and Lauren studied with me for exams in the nook and ate lunch with me at Angelo’s every week. Dr. Haskett sat with me as I cried outside our lecture hall. Zoe and I created, nurtured, and mothered our baby that is Golden Hour. Emily has been with me through it all. There have been countless others along the way including classmates, friends of friends of friends I’ve met at Rick’s, coworkers, and bystanders that have made a lasting impact on me. The people at this school love me and care about me.
When my mom was diagnosed with cancer almost two years ago, I had one, big dream: for her to make it to my graduation. I’ve prayed for this every day and wished for it on every lucky penny. After long days and sleepless nights, we’ve both made it. I am thankful for my professors who were flexible to my needs and helped me get the most out of this education while balancing my personal life. I am grateful for my friends who uplifted me through my greatest wins and caught me when I was down. I am forever indebted to my family who inspired me to keep going and have supported me every step of the way. When I think of the University of Michigan, I am not full of fear anymore. I am full of love. These past four years, I have never been given any idea that I couldn’t be exactly who I wanted to be and more. Thank you, Michigan! Here’s to the next dream!
