This is it.

Class of 2015, this is it. Here we are at Commencement creating an ocean of emotions. The waves bellow throughout the crowd; crests of happiness at the top and troughs of sadness at the bottom. We are all starting a new exciting chapter in our lives, but at the same time we are to depart our own separate ways. Some of us are heading off to do amazing things in all corners of the country and world; some of us are waiting to see what the future has in store.

You may be fearful, excited, anxious, drunk or hungover right now and all of these are totally acceptable (but if you’re drunk or hungover right now, try not to vomit on NarFarv’s shoes). Feel whatever you feel, but feel it now. Be right here, in the moment. Your past three, four or five years have already happened and all that matters is now. You’re about to get on stage to receive the prop diploma, fall asleep during a speech, or Snapchat this exciting time that we are all sharing. Be here, be in the now.

In the past few weeks, I have stepped up to the plate and lived every moment in the now. I stayed up for 36 hours straight to pass Multivariable Calculus (thanks Maz!). I popped bottles of champagne with amazing friends. I told people how I felt about them and didn’t hold anything back. I was blunt, straightforward, and grabbed life by the horns. There’s not enough time in life to dance around the issues or to sugarcoat anything. I can honestly say that I can proudly own every decision I’ve made in that time and you should too.

All of us have made a lot of memories these past few years as well. We all have our stories, traditions we started, and unforgettable experiences. On my wall and on my shelves in Jonas 418 are a collection of photos, framed items, and trinkets that make up my “memory wall”. Every significant part of my life since I was a freshman in high school is up there. Friends and family alike have made it on these photos or on a prized token. To everyone that helped me make all these memories and experiences happen: thank you.

To my brothers at Alpha Phi Omega and the Joyce Family: thank you for putting up with all my shenanigans. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to lead the chapter into new and exciting areas as Recruitment Chair and Membership Vice President. Your granting me the chance of serving you all helped mold me into the type of person I am today. Joyces, I am so glad that we adopted “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond as our family anthem. It helped me bring a piece of home here to our small, but strong family. “Victoria per spiritum, neque per numeros.”

To my brothers at Alpha Sigma Phi: thank you for allowing me to better myself and other young men who have followed us. You all taught me how to conduct myself as a gentleman and as a harbinger of good deeds. I am excited for what is to come after our class graduates. I know that the house is destined for success in the coming years. “Causa latet vis est notissima.”

To my colleagues and Carolina Blue lineage at the Office of Residence Life: thank you for giving me the chance to be a leader on campus. Being a part of this department has taught me many things about myself and others. As Resident Assistants, we are put into a special situations and are in a category not many others are capable of handling. Michelle, Radhika and Allie, you are all amazing RAs and I am incredibly proud of all that you have been able to accomplish. Radhika and Allie, I hope you both continue our lineage for years to come.

To my closest, dearest, special friends (you know who you are): thank you. You were there for me in my darkest times, in my times of need. You were my vocal punching bags, sounding boards, open ears, hearts and minds. You all truly hold a special place in my mind and heart and I wish I could repay you all for all that you’ve done for me. Know that no matter what happens, I will be there for you. I could be halfway around the globe or I could be a few blocks away, but I will be there. I know that we will keep in touch after Commencement and whenever we meet again we will be able to pick up where we left off.

You are all amazing people in your own way because you helped me shape who I am as a person today. Your life, my life, our lives are a culmination of every single thing that has happened to us. Every interaction, big or small, has made an impact. Sometimes these interactions challenge your beliefs, make you ecstatic, feel incredible levels of sadness and pain. Each interaction has made you who you are today: a Stevens graduate, top of your class (congratulations Tatyana and Alex!), a future Annheuser-Busch executive (*cough*cough*Anna DeBella*cough*cough*), the next Leonardo DiCaprio (except you’ll win an Oscar, Devon), or even like myself, the first in your family to graduate college. This is our moment, these are our lives. We made it here, this is our now.