In a few days, my life will be over.

At least, that’s what people have been telling me. I’ve been advised to enjoy these last few days of my college career, as I’ll never see their like again; to hug my friends, because we’ll inevitably fall out of touch, and to try something new, because the chance probably won’t come again.

Basically, the general consensus seems to be that as soon as my diploma touches my hands, I will be doomed to a miserable and boring 9-to-5 existence. And I won’t even have nights on State Street to make up for it.

But though I don’t doubt I’ll miss my time at Binghamton University a lot, I’m not too sold on the idea that the day of my graduation is the day everything ends. In fact, I’m pretty invested in making sure the rest of my life is just as good, if not better, than these last four years have been.

Luckily, a lot of the things that have mattered most to me in Binghamton are the things I can take with me wherever I go. And, as I prepare to leave the safety of school and move on to the next part of my life, I think that’s what I’m most grateful for.

The four years’ worth of memories and lessons I’ll be carrying home with me are more valuable than any grade, GPA or diploma.

The person who walked into freshman orientation four years ago, terrified and unable to meet anyone’s eyes, is not the same one that will be walking out this Sunday. I have a whole new arsenal of skills at my disposal. While some may definitely be classified in the useless category (I doubt the real world will be all that impressed with my ability to go sledding on a lunch tray or survive for days on little to no sleep), others will continue to make life better.

I’ve learned how to leave a voicemail without sounding like an idiot, how to participate in a rally and how to make apple pie.

I’ve made friends and connections that changed me and who I know will be with me for the rest of my life. I’ve discovered more about what I believe in, in politics and otherwise, than my high school self would have ever imagined. And I’ve had adventures that I will never forget.

While it would be a complete lie to say I’ve learned who I am, I’ve at least become secure about that fact, and more than content with being a work-in-progress. It’s more fun that way.

So no, I won’t be able to fit Tom & Marty’s or my favorite chair in the Pipe Dream office into my suitcase when I leave. But I can take the things that really count.

BU may be lacking in location, things to do and creative building names, but for the people who take the time to look, it has everything you need to graduate knowing that the last four years have changed you for the better. It’s been good.