The journey

For many seniors this year, graduation and the real world are approaching faster than ever.

Relax. Life isn't about the destination.

I was a year ahead in science in 10th grade. The chemistry class I took that year got me acquainted with a girl named Tania, who graduated a year before me. That fall, she introduced me to a guy named Michael here at UB.

Mikey and I were roommates for a matter of weeks. But in that short time, he threw a party where I was able to meet a photographer friend of his. The photographer told me about the crazy club he worked for, where you put in 40 hours a week and got paid next to nothing.

I was willing to be flexible and try something new. I gave it a shot, and enjoyed every minute of it. The following semester, spring of my freshman year, I had the guy's job as chief photographer here at The Spectrum.

It was intimidating, learning photography from the photo editor, Lynn. I'd never held a camera before in my life. But a year after that, I was in charge of the photo desk and Lynn was one of my closest friends.

Academics had sort of taken a fall on my list of priorities-I felt responsible for the organization I worked for and I was having fun. My new social life was introducing me to so many different kinds of people; I'd lost what was left of my intolerance.

Except for Long Island girls.

Seriously, I'm kidding.

The following fall, I moved away from the photo desk. Spending this year as a managing editor has introduced me to a colorful cast of wonderful people who, I'm sure, will give me a leg-up for the next chapters of my life.

My background in chemistry and the sciences kept me anchored, but it's the impulsive decisions that make everything worth it. Where I am now has nothing to do with my initial goals, but I've never been happier or more content. It's worth noticing that sometimes the best moments in our lives are the unplanned ones. Like graduating and leaving your friends behind, photography was scary and new for me. But giving it a shot was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.

If you're graduating this spring, I can't say I know exactly what you're going through. But try to roll with the punches. My experiences here have taught me that giving it a shot is one of the best ways to enjoy your life. Don't be afraid to try something new.

If, like me, all your closest friends are graduating this year, remember that one 10th-grade chemistry class can change everything. Don't be afraid to let them go and take the rest of their own journeys. Support them when they don't have any friends in three months-they'll need it.

If things don't go your way at first, try stepping back and enjoying the moment. After all, disappointments are just another new experience. I've had my share of setbacks and disappointments here at the newspaper. But when I stop and think about it, I wouldn't have had it any other way. I created some wonderful memories here that defined my college experience.

I got to know this campus through the paper, and I'll leave a more objective person for it. If I'm lucky, that college experience made the journey more enjoyable for the friends I had in my three years here.

If you haven't been as fortunate as I have, know that everything is only temporary. Roll with the punches, come graduation. Enjoy the journey.