I love college. Quoth, Asher Roth. Speaking of college, it’s almost the end of the year. That means graduation, and seniors flocking from the second nest into the real world. Scary.

Talking to a lot of freshmen, even they, first-year they may be, are reluctant and a little sad about leaving beautiful Colorado State and the friends they made in the dorms, even for a couple months.

I cannot imagine the huge life leap of the graduating senior. What is there to miss about CSU?

A lot. The Rec Center. Grand old/new Lory Student Center. The nice people in the plaza exercising their First Amendment rights and yelling to a crowd of gathered students. Tony Frank’s beard.

I don’t know. I’m super clueless. My excuse: freshman.

“The social aspect without a doubt,” said Andrew Lee, a senior business major, when asked what he’ll miss the most. “In college, you have a lot of free time, so you can discover yourself. Don’t be so frugal on your money, spend your money on experiences. I wish I spent more time on road trips and classes instead of other stuff.”

“Definitely not the school or education aspect, that’s for sure,” said Matt Barrett, a senior business major. “Honestly, I’m gonna miss my friends, that’s the biggest part. Friends, the mountains especially here, activities, everything friends do.”

“I’ll miss drinking every day,” said Barrett’s friend, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Now remember, buddy, the moment you graduate, that’s considered alcoholism. But, I do joke too much.

College isn’t just about that. It’s the community that makes it great and what those graduating are going to miss.

“I think the community,” said Kate Simmons, a senior journalism major. “You meet people with similar passions and life goals. You don’t really get that in the real world. It’s harder finding people your age and finding people with similar interests to you.”

Urban Dictionary describes it perfectly: “College: A magical place where it is rumored that learning takes place.”

Ultimately, people come to college to get an education and a degree, but it’s the time at the university, as a Ram, as a loving community that those graduating are going to remember and keep in their hearts as they go  on to the next stage of their lives.

So, to those graduating, go forth, brave Rams, unto the new green pasture before you, and take with pleasure the sweet milk of life.

And when thou come back as fabled alumni for the great battle known as the Rocky Mountain Showdown, we will welcome you with open arms and a full red Solo cup.

You’re going to miss this place, and we are going to miss all you’ve done at CSU, from freshman year to now.

Because, from what I’ve seen, the people here have been nothing short of kind and friendly, making Fort Collins a better place. Let’s hope that never changes. Rams take care of Rams. Always.