A Reflective Poem
4 min readBy ANONYMOUS
As I enter my last semester, I can’t help but to reflect,
I have a lot of fond memories and a list of regrets.
I know getting a degree isn’t about the time it takes,
and not getting out in four is because of my own mistakes.
I understand that life is not a race,
I’ve always been the type to set my own pace.
I like walking to the beat of my own drum,
but it’s been so hard trying to find a rhythm.
I envy everyone who is in love with their school,
I think loving where you learn is so powerful.
There was a time when I loved math, now I hate it,
I want to do things that are more creative.
I have officially changed my major, twice,
there was a lack of options so Math would suffice.
I don’t like the fact that I felt I had to settle,
I always thought I would do something special.
There were times when I considered transferring too,
maybe I would join a sorority at an HBCU.
I feel stuck in a major that I don’t want to use,
I can’t wait for the day that I can finally break loose.
I know I will be successful regardless of any doubt,
I just wish I didn’t want to constantly drop out.
I am either very behind or far ahead of the game,
I mean, that’s just how I look at things.
As I look back there’s some things that I would do differently,
I can’t change the past, but I wonder what could be.
So, what would I do to make these years my best?
I would start by studying more and trying to sleep less.
I would join more clubs and go to more events.
I would take more risks and forget about suspense.
I would probably still sit in the back of the class,
but if I had a question, I would make sure I asked.
I would sit out on Ball Circle to get some more sun.
I would participate in the underwear run.
I would take advantage of my free gym membership.
I would spend Fall break on the Freedom Rides trip.
I would study abroad during the Summer and Spring.
I would put more effort into finding my “thing”.
I would make calls to my family a little bit more.
I would apply to be a RISE mentor.
I would do more things out of my normal.
I would go with my friends to the spring formal.
I would put a group together and perform for lip-sync.
I would be mindful of the way I think.
I would spend less time holding on to my phone.
I would put my time with friends before being alone.
I would enter the president’s lottery dinner.
I would hang out more in the multicultural center.
I would stop looking for love and let it find me.
I would drink more water instead of coffee.
I wouldn’t quit softball because I know I will miss it.
It feels like the field is the only one who listens.
I wouldn’t start my assignments the day they are due.
I would use my weekends to try something new.
I wouldn’t listen to the people who tell me to keep going on.
I would take a break when I know I need one.
Now, I wouldn’t say that I was a complete imbecile.
Everything was not abysmal.
I mean, I practically went to college for free.
I jumped in the fountain during STP.
Freshman year I saw a live hypnotist.
I won a TV once at midnight breakfast.
I have a plethora of Mary Wash T-shirts.
I met Waka Flocka after the spring concert.
I toured the headquarters of the CIA.
I went to the Kennedy center where I watched a play.
I saw Bryce Harper in the Nat’s stadium.
I gave a presentation at a school symposium.
I witnessed black Greek life at the annual step shows.
I ate at Seacobeck before it closed.
I traveled to the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
I met lifelong friends whom I see as pure.
I dined at the Famous Ben’s Chili Bowl.
I attended a Gospel Fest that touched my soul.
I experienced all this while being a Mary Washington student.
I just wish my happy times were more consistent.
I don’t expect anything to be all rainbows and sunshine.
We all have different perspectives, I just wanted to share mine.