Final Reflections: Four Years Later

This is it. The final post. There are some days when I want to go back four years and find a younger Hailley just beginning to explore campus. If I could tell her one thing, I would say, "Be patient. Good things are headed your way."

I've thought all summer about how I would write this final blog post. Sentences ran through my mind and I brainstormed hundreds of ways to start and end this post and this blog. But how on earth do I write about four incredible years in a couple hundred of words? It seems nearly impossible.

Coe gave the opportunity to do incredible things. It provided an environment I could thrive in, and an environment where I could grow and change. Throughout the entire transformation process, I was surrounded by people who cared about me. These people pushed me to be the best version of myself every day and also were not afraid to provide constructive criticism. They listened to my ideas, fueled my motivation and passion, and collaborated with me. I wouldn't be where I am today without the Kohawk family.

I learned in and out of the classroom; I had all these places on campus to learn. My academic life was intertwined with my extra-curricular life. Skills I acquired in the classroom translated to my leadership roles in a wide variety of clubs (and vice versa). My ability to be a leader on campus helped me be ready for all my off campus adventures -- Writing Center conferences across the United States, three May Terms, and four incredible months in New York City. As people not from Coe heard about my experiences on campus, they were amazed time after time. Coe had made it possible for my various adventures to occur and all I had to do was capitalize on the opportunities they placed in front of me.  

And while I had so many good times, I also had struggles. However, whether it was stress, overcommitment, family illness, college drama, or just an off day, Coe was there to help me. A friendly smile on the walk to class, a passionate meeting with a professor on an upcoming paper topic, or an unexpected coffee date with a friend I hadn't chatted with in a while always reminded me of who I was and how I could push through, no matter what was going on in my life. I am coming to graduate school with a support system that is powerful and strong. I have thousands good memories too (don't you worry) from late nights in the Writing Center, to muffin making adventures with Millie, to running around Cedar Rapids, and even to just going to events on campus.  

I remember coming to campus with this energy and excitement for the things to come. College was a whole new ball game and I was ready to step up to the plate. And I am leaving Coe feeling the same way -- excited for the next adventure in graduate school. Coe allowed me the space to become an integral part of a community whose mission is to see you passionate about something you care about and to see you succeed. I was able to make a difference, to be a mover and shaker, and I can't thank Coe enough for that.

So with that, Kohawk Talk by Hailley is coming to a close. Just because I won't publish any new posts doesn't mean you can't look back and see what I did. The blog won't go away. And don't worry, I can't stop blogging just yet. Follow me on my new blog for graduate school, apptly titled #LibraryScience. It's on the blog platform Tumblr, which allows me to reblog items related to the library science field for a more professional/personal blog all rolled into one.

A big shout out to the Kohawk Nation. Thank you for everything and I can't wait to see you all again soon!