Most seniors can’t wait to get off campus.

They can’t wait to graduate.

They can’t wait to cross that stage.

They can’t wait to move on.

Moving on, however, isn’t really all that it’s cracked up to be.

While I haven’t graduated yet – come on, December, hurry up – I haven’t been on campus much at all this semester. Instead, I’ve been at my student teaching site at Wellsville Elementary School.

Day in and day out, I go to Wellsville to teach 18 5- and 6-year-olds, and I truly love every minute of it.

I love the stories they tell me about their cats.

I love the hugs they randomly come up and give me.

I love the compliments they give me of shoes that are 5 years old.

And I even love those noses they constantly pick.

While I cherish every moment I spend with my kindergartners, and wouldn’t change my experience for anything in the world, I can’t help but miss Baker’s campus.

There’s something about walking from Pulliam Hall to Case Hall that’s refreshing.

There’s something about meeting up with friends for a random lunch in the Wildcat Café that’s just plain fun.

There’s something about knowing, or recognizing at least, almost every face you meet while walking across campus that makes you feel like you’re a part of something special.

I know I’m still part of that something special, but it’s easy to forget when you’re not on campus all the time.

I know now I’ve definitely taken advantage of my walks across campus.

I’ve hurried down the sidewalks to get to class on time instead of enjoying the beautiful campus we’re lucky to walk on.

I’ve paid little attention to the babbling brook that runs under the Taft Bridge instead of taking time to look at the lily pads on the pond it leads to.

As my time on campus dwindles down more and more, I’m starting to notice the little things I’ve missed over the past three years – like the tiny green stars on the outside of Pulliam Hall.

I’ve noticed three years too late that I was in too big of a hurry.

Don’t get me wrong, I can’t wait to wear that cap and gown Dec. 19 and walk off that stage with that little piece of paper I’ve been working toward for what seems like decades.

But, as I’m following those bagpipes across campus, you bet I’ll be taking in all the views Baker has to offer.