Graduation is upon us. Everything is changing. Beyoncé is pregnant with her second child, Nicki Minaj is an American Idol judge and an Indie artist has made chart-topping history (that’s the great Macklemore, if you needed clarification).

Changes are being made on campus too. Talk of the new School of Communications excites students, even though most will graduate before it’s up and running. The new multifaith center, which is available for prayer, reflection and interfaith, invites students to talk, meditate and learn about diversity. And it goes without saying many are excited about the re-opening of the Mill Point pool.

It’s nearly impossible to take a stroll through campus during finals week and not see some tearful goodbyes accompanied by prolonged hugs. But just as this year has brought new things to Elon, the summer will bring new things to each and every one of us. Be it in Los Angeles, New York, abroad or at the local diner, we are all surely going to gain some new knowledge to bring back with us to campus along with our new posters and bed spreads.

And to the seniors who won’t be returning in August, I fully expect you to lug your real world knowledge back with you for homecoming weekend. Elon is sending graduates all over the map to teach, write, learn and start their life as a “real person.”

But never fear, we don’t have to rush out the door just yet for our summer plans. There’s always the wonderful senior week. No responsibilities except moving out, which, at least for the seniors, hopefully your parents are here to help you with.  Sure, the parties are always a blast. It’s the last hoorah in college for so many.