Over the past few months my roommate Jane has forbidden our friends from saying the "g" word: graduation.

Just the mere mention of it makes Jane cry.

There's been no talk of diplomas, caps and gowns and, most of all, leaving Penn State behind.

To tell you the truth, I haven't minded avoiding the subject. The thought of saying goodbye to friends and starting a new life is pretty scary to me. But as we get closer to that fateful day I'm beginning to realize that we should try to see graduation as something positive and exciting.

The end of our Penn State experience will close an amazing chapter in our lives, but it will also mark the start of a new one. We'll finally have the opportunity to explore the world and its possibilities, and put the knowledge and skills we've been developing for the past few years to use.

That's not to say we won't miss Penn State terribly or find ourselves reminiscing about tailgating, football games, partying with friends and lying on the HUB lawn. Moving on is never easy, but there comes a time when we all have to start anew.

I was hit with a dose of reality and wisdom over winter break when my 95-year-old neighbor asked me if I was ready to graduate. I quickly replied that no, I wasn't, and the idea of graduation made me sad.

"I know you're sad, dear, but you have to grow up," she said, laughing. "Everyone has to grow up."

This was hard to hear, especially because I often still think of myself as a child. But I know my neighbor was right. After four years of college, including a semester abroad in Rome and seven semesters working for the Collegian, I think I'm ready for the real world. And if there's any advice I could lend to younger students, it would be this: Enjoy Penn State as much as possible.

Although college can be lots of fun, it also can also be stressful and overwhelming at times. It is important to take time to relax, spend time with friends and reflect. The recent tragedy at Virginia Tech has shown us that every day is a blessing. Even though you are young, life is still a precious and fragile thing. Be thankful you are alive, try to inspire others, be responsible, and always live each day to the fullest.

Another thing I know for sure is that I'm incredibly proud to be a Nittany Lion. I think Penn State's response to the Virginia Tech tragedy has made me more proud. From the banners stationed all over campus, which allowed Penn State students to write messages of condolences to Virginia Tech students, to the masses of orange and maroon at the Blue and White game, Penn State showed its true colors this past week.

I think Penn State pride is something that never fades. You can see it in the faces of Penn State's loyal alumni, who come back and visit with their husbands and wives, children and grandchildren. It must be a thrill for them to see how much Penn State has transformed over the years. While hanging out at the Rathskeller this weekend, my friends and I were captured by an aerial photo of Penn State hanging on the wall. Although the photo wasn't dated, I knew it had to be taken sometime before 1953 because one very important building was missing: the HUB. It's hard to imagine Penn State without one of its most central buildings, but at the time the photo was taken the area where the HUB is now located was nothing but grass.

I wonder how much Penn State will change and grow by the time we are old. I can't wait to find out. But maybe I'm getting a little bit ahead of myself.

After all, the "g" word isn't here yet. There's still a few weeks left for seniors, and so much to look forward to. Jerry Seinfeld on Friday, the Movin' On concert this weekend, senior week bar tours and climbing Mount Nittany are just some of the items on my list.