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Now that I’m entering my final year here at Laurier Brantford, I am fraught with the debilitating anxiety brought on by the fact that I am slowly, reluctantly, coming to terms with the fact that not only will I be leaving this wonderful institution, but in addition to that, I will have to face the looming OSAP payments that wait for me in the darkness of my somewhat uncertain future.

Wow, that got dark really fast. Suffice to say – I’m not ready to leave! Why should I be? This place has been my home for the past three years, and now I find myself facing a blistering reality that I will never again end a beautiful summer day with a battle-royale against a lagging, uncooperative, overburdened LORIS for a class that I was so certain would be a bird course, but actually turned out to be the exact opposite. On second thought, probably not that last bit.

So why am I writing this? Surely, The Sputnik wouldn’t endorse the self-indulgent ramblings of a slightly neurotic fourth-year student. Let’s skip past the melodramatics, bypass the filter and arrive at the point; make the most of your time here, or else risk graduating with simply a degree with a barren Co-Curricular Record, and no memories nor tales of late night Lonnie’s runs, going to concerts at The Mixdown or awkward moments at NV.

If you’re reading this and you plan on sticking around for the next few years, I suggest you do one or more or all of the following. In no particular order, Laurier Brantford, I present to you the most important tidbits of advice one could give in order to make the most of your time here at Laurier Brantford.

Get involved

Never underestimate the things you can learn from getting involved around campus. The call from student leadership here is as great as it is never-ending. Although fall hiring may be closed for WLUSU and Student Affairs, WLUSP could use some great writers. You can always join a campus club, and if you don’t like any of the clubs available, you can always make your own.

Why get involved? Well, not only can you put these things on your CCR, you’ll be networking, making friends, and doing something that you enjoy. While the academic rigor of your studies may provide you with joy, you still need to take a break and devote yourself to something remotely recreational.

Don’t Procrastinate

When I first wrote this, a “Boromir” meme that read “One does not simply stop procrastinating” came to mind. It’s important. The reason you hate writing essays is because next to your JSTOR tabs you have Facebook, Twitter, Iwastesomuchtime, and quite possibly Thisiswhyimbroke, in the very same window waiting to elicit your productivity downfall. Or the reason you failed to submit that paper into the dropbox on MyLearningSpace may have something to do with the fact that a night stumbling home from NV while gorged on the decadent treats afforded to you by Admirals won out over actually doing your homework.

Resist the urge, my friends. NV and Admirals will always be there, but remember your GPA is in a state of constant flux (depending on the kind of student you are).

I suppose what I’m trying to say in both cases is: find balance in your life. You only get one shot at this undergrad. When you look back, make sure that it’s replete with awesome memories, while at the same time; ensure you actually get your degree. Make the most out of it, and seize that carp, Laurier Brantford.