Opinion: An open letter to the Class of 2016

Dear Class of 2016,The school year for Ohio University students is coming to a close. With that being said, it is important to thank the senior class of 2016.Since day one of freshman year, students in their respective majors have found an individual or a group of individuals to be their mentor(s). The graduating class has been a group of individuals who have not backed down from their dreams or their goals. For those of us following in your footsteps, we say thank you.Thank you for showing us how to get involved, be present in the community and in our respective fields. The class of 2016 has set the bar high for what it means to be a Bobcat. You have exceeded expectations; and so, with how high expectations are for the classes to follow, you have ensured our continued excellence and encouraged us to continually reach for improvements in and out of the classroom.This class has acted with professionalism and dignity in order to foster opportunities for future students of Ohio University. You have guided underclassmen to strive for more and to never settle for anything less than their dreams. We have watched you take those big-time internships; we have seen the lows and the highs. Through everything, you have managed to keep your composure.Not everyone in the class of 2016 knows what they want to do with their lives. But do any of us really know? College is meant to be a time to find yourself and this class has done just that. The class of 2016 has shown us how to live and how to survive college.Graduation time should be a continual reminder of why homecoming is so important. Seeing alumni come home is very special. Watching old men and women hug after years of not seeing one another on the bricks of Court Street is something memorable. Let’s not wait 20 years before we hear from you once more.The relationships you have in college are forever. As you go up to the stage in the Convocation Center next week to have your moment, remember this is not goodbye. This is the beginning of the chapter in your life that you have strived for since day one.Congratulations and best wishes,The Class of 2017