Stress. Anxiety. Tension. Senioritis. All of these words have become a part of almost every senior student's vocabulary at Norwich. With almost less than 30 days left until graduation, seniors are beginning to feel the pressure of the "senior slide."

Seniors can truly embrace everyone who has felt like they just couldn't take it anymore and all they wanted to do was pack it all up and go home. Unfortunately, it isn't that easy. There are term papers, final projects, essays and oral reports. Then come the dreaded exams. For most seniors this time of year is supposed to be filled with happiness and excitement. However, how can a senior be truly happy when the sky is never blue, the snow is six feet high and the workload just seems never ending?

Anyone can tell you that the light is just breaking at the end of the tunnel. It is good advice, but will it work? The light is there, but all of the work left before us is keeping it from ever emerging into our view. It will come as time passes and the work level dissipates, even though we can't really see it.

Hopefully those seniors who are fortunate enough to be graduating this year have had a chance to find a job out in the "real world." Or maybe, they will be receiving their commission into the military.

The true question for this time of year is: Has Norwich properly prepared us for life? Has it? Many of us have asked this question and the answer is, yes.

Although we gripe and complain, Norwich has really been our home. We have learned to value our education, friends, even our enemies. Each of those entities has shaped us into the individuals we have become.

It is time to stop and think, to smell the flowers (if the snow would melt), and realize how lucky we are to be able to afford the education we have received. It is time to say "thank-you" to all the professors, faculty, staff, friends, and acquaintances for touching our lives in their own special ways. Norwich is a family and one that will stay with us long after we drive off with it pictured in our rear view mirror.

So, as the days begin to wind to an end, take a minute to reflect on what you have learned here. Take time to chat with a friend, make a memory and enjoy life. It hasn't been an easy road but isn't it one that we would travel again if given the chance?

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