Like many things in college, I have procrastinated writing this until the very last minute. I think I am anxious about coming off as too preachy, being corny or leaving something out. Most of all, I think it is my way of denying that our college experience is coming to a close very soon. I won’t do my usual thing—talk about Student Union, politics, education and question why everyone just can’t get along. Instead, I just want to write about some short memories from my four years here. I hope reading them will make you reflect and recall significant moments of your own. Perhaps it will make you laugh; maybe it will even make you cry.

One: Freshman year, when I first learned that you could mix food items from different stations in old Bear’s Den. At the advice of a friend, I added chopped up chicken fingers and a little “Murphy spice” (I’m still not sure what that spice is) to my pasta. That became my staple meal for the rest of the year and was referred to by my friends as the “DC special.” My pasta concoction is not the only fond memory of old Bear’s Den. It’s where I had my first meals with new friends and devoured late night half-and-half’s. It was the center of our world on the 40 and I wish we could go back to it, even for just one meal. A part of me even misses that obnoxious poster on the wall.

Two: Sophomore year, when I went to a Shabbat dinner at Professor Andrew Rehfeld’s for the first time. He insisted that I call him “Andrew,” which was shocking to me. We engaged in discussions about Judaism, political theory and University policy. We have been lucky to have professors that care so much about undergraduate life and dedicate time to students outside of the classroom. And in case you don’t know, Professor Andrew Rehfeld has a pretty large student following.

Three: Junior year, when we threw a “Bar Mitzvah” party for my non-Jewish friend. It had all the elements of a great Bar Mitzvah—a sign-in board, candle lighting, speeches from friends and a rendition of Earth, Wind, and Fire’s “September.” We even did a blessing over Challah. A party this intricate and cerebral could probably only happen at a school like ours. The party aside, I’ve had some great discussions with many friends about religious and cultural differences over the past four years. Wash. U. has provided many great opportunities for honest and engaged dialogue.

Four: Senior year, when I found myself holding hands with my roommates as we waited for Padma Lakshmi to announce the winner of “Top Chef All-Stars.” How did I have all of this free time to watch reality TV? And why did holding hands with my roommates seem like such a normal thing to do? My roommates have helped create and shape my college experience into such a positive one. I am lucky to have found such great friends. It’s nice knowing that when the “Arrested Development” movie comes out, we’ll probably all meet up to see it together, wherever we are.

These moments serve to remind me of how small experiences can truly have a lasting impact on people’s lives. These, along with many other memories from my four years here, have certainly affected me. The kindness, generosity and warmth I have felt from friends, faculty, staff, family and the entire University community is unparalleled. I will take all of these small moments with me and try to emulate that kindness in the next stage of my life. Thank you, Wash. U.