I have accumulated a lot of wisdom from this great university over the past five years. I will walk away from these hallowed halls, not only with a degree, but also with valuable life lessons.

I have learned in my time here at ACU that age is only a number and not everyone graduates in four years. Some people just need a little extra time to take in all that college has to offer. I am one of those people.

I now know that it is possible to function on no sleep, although functioning well is another story. After five years of all-nighters, back-to-back all-nighters, and back-to-back-to-back all-nighters, I can go into the world knowing that even pure exhaustion can’t hold me back. (Art major problems. Am I right, guys?)

And most importantly, I have learned the value of friends. ACU is the best place to surround yourselves with wonderful people that will love you when you’re tired and cranky, will comfort you on those days that never seem to end, and will drive across town with you”¦ just to buy popcorn from that theater in the mall.

In 10 years, I won’t remember how terrible the all-nighters were, which class projects caused mental breakdowns or how many cups of coffee I bought with my Bean Bucks. But I will remember the people that got me through those all-nighters, that listened to me babble during my breakdowns and that brought me food when coffee just wasn’t enough. People- that’s what ACU is about.