This year is coming to a close and since this is the last issue of the Chronicle, it is also the last Dear Alicia column. ever. It is sad and depressing because I don’t get to give advice anymore, but also because it means that I am soon to be a Quinnipiac graduate.

I don’t like to think about graduation so much, so let’s hold that off till the end. First, I want to thank all of you. I didn’t know what to expect when the column first started, but you all gave me a run for my money. Some questions were a challenge but I always tried to put my personal experiences and thoughts into my so-called blunt advice. It all came from my heart and I hope that it was sufficient and worth your while.

There has never been an advice column in The Chronicle, so I was extremely excited to be the first to give it a try. I think it went great and it was all because of you! So thank you again.

So now I thought I would end my column with some advice to all you seniors out there that aren’t doing so well with the thought of graduating.

Lately all of my friends have made at least one reference to being nervous about graduation. Whether they are nervous to get a real job or to move back home, sad to leave their college friends or afraid to move onto the next phase of their life, they all have expressed this anxiety or fear.

For some reason, I haven’t been a nervous wreck, because I have realized what is most important and I have devised a plan. First off, I say that we all need to relax. We all went to a great college and we all will find jobs!

I have yet to start applying for jobs and to tell you the truth, I am trying to hold off as long as possible. My thought is that I have the whole rest of my life to work, so why not take off three months for the summer to get my mind straight? I believe I have great experience and a pretty decent resume, and when push comes to shove, I will find a job. a job I truly enjoy.

So my advice is to take a step back and relax. Having a plan might be that little incentive to relaxation, so give it a try. Give yourself a break and remember that everything happens for a reason and something great will happen for you when it should.

To tell you the truth, I am more nervous about moving back home than finding a job. Even though my parents pay for my apartment now, I still feel as though I am completely on my own. It is going to be rough for all of us that are moving back home, but look at it as a resting period. Before you have to start paying rent or water bills, take a year to save some money. Deal with the moans and groans of the rents for at least a year. It will be O.K. You will survive.

Another issue is leaving this college bubble. Change is extremely hard for me, but I learned to roll with the punches and take life as life comes at me. Try to adopt that motto because it has truly helped me.

I am like any normal college student. I loved college and really don’t want it to end. The last four years were amazing and what made it that amazing were my friends. I am sick to my stomach thinking about not being able to see them every day, but as I wrote in a previous column, make it a priority to call and make plans with them whenever you can. You are all going to miss each other, so you are all in the same boat.

Graduating college is a scary thing, but look at it as one of the biggest accomplishments you have completed so far. It is taking you into the next phase in your life. We are becoming adults and it should be a good feeling to know that you are a college graduate.

Keep your head up! Stay strong and committed and do whatever you can to be the best college graduate that you can be. Sort of corny, but it’s true.

Good Luck with the rest of life, and congratulations!