By Tanner Anderson

I don’t plan ahead. It is something that I just don’t do, because the world needs procrastinators (at least that’s what I tell myself).

Now the job market is shaky, and according to many news networks, not only do we need to worry about the economy, we need to be concerned about pigs and their plans for world domination – thanks to their genetically enhanced flu.

So now that we can’t even enjoy bacon, here are a few encouraging phrases for you:

“The grass is always greener on the other side.”

“The night is darkest just before the dawn.”

“A blessing in disguise”

“When a door closes, a window opens.”

Somewhere you’ve probably heard these popular phrases uttered to help boost the ole’ self esteem.

Well, if you are like me, the grass you want to be on is awesome because yours is filled with fire ants. And who in their right mind would exit through a window? Unless it is to escape out of a burning building, which is a cruddy situation no matter how you spin it.

So, here is another phrase that I’ve become fond of, thanks to the character Brian Shelby, from the movie Vanilla Sky: “Because without the bitter, baby, the sweet ain’t as sweet.”

At times, I thought that life would be an easy transition from one stage to another. You go from kindergarten and make your journey to high school.

Then, if you’re lucky, you go from high school to college.

Through those time periods, I was never really faced with any major obstacles because I’ve been fortunate, lucky and spoiled.

Now things are looking a little murky on the job front, and I can honestly say that I have no idea what’s going to happen from here.

It’s an odd and scary sensation and right now, I can’t help but smile.

Because I know that currently things may be somewhat bitter, but for the most part, a gigantic portion of my life has been extremely sweet.

Not only am I fortunate to walk out of here with a college degree, I have the coolest family ever. A mom who is loved by everyone, a father who you can’t help but admire and a twin brother who has all of the awesome Anderson traits.

I also look back not only at my family, but also at the memories I’ve made.

When every freshman on our 200 West hall complained about having an 11:30 p.m. curfew but used that time to link up and play two hours of Halo. Pledging Frater Sodalis, and how pumped I was when we got in right before fall break. I even wore that ridiculous jersey the day after we got in to club and wore it only one more time for Homecoming. Fellow Frats know the jersey I’m talking about.

I’ll also remember 18th Street, Wednesday evening grill sessions and being lucky enough to room with some great guys, one of whom I’ve known since I was three.

Now I’m graduating not only from school, but also from the ACU bubble that I’ve come to call home, and even though there may be a few bitter obstacles to overcome, I look forward to a new bittersweet life after ACU.