“What are you doing after graduation?” is a loaded question, but one that I have fortunately perfected a response to. I shrug sheepishly, give a little sigh and say, “I wish I knew.” It’s a question that stirs my most deep-seated fears, but one that all seniors inevitably face. I’ve been trying unsuccessfully to evade it for the past couple of months.

During my first attempts to begin my final column of the semester, I could not shake the feeling that I wasn’t doing it right. Maybe that’s because I’m in the midst of writing three papers at once, and the thought of yet another thesis statement made me nauseous. Or maybe it’s because I don’t need a sappy farewell address — I’ll be back in the fall!

Whenever I pictured myself as a teacher, I envisioned a more bodacious, blonder Mrs. Frizzle who flounced around a beautifully postered classroom while her students gazed on in doe–eyed fascination. In my dreams I was also the most badass teacher in the world and peppered every worksheet I collected with gold stars and smiley face stamps.

This is the last column of my collegiate career. I have never had much trouble choosing a topic to write about during my year as a columnist, but this week is different. I know I’m supposed to write a sappy sign-off column and give advice for how to squeeze the most out of our four years on the Hill (hint: don’t take Wines, just drink them). But I don’t need to do that.

Two months ago, I stood onstage at Bailey Hall in front of a sold-out audience to perform in the Vagina Monologues with 50 other bright and beautiful vaginas and our fearless publicity manager, Doug.

This semester, The Sun has had the unfortunate responsibility to report on too many horrible events affecting our Cornell community. From the tragic deaths of a student and a recent alum to a reported rape, it is clear that The Sun reports on some of the most grave situations a community can face. The Sun must conduct itself accordingly.

What role do “Use of University Property” permits play when people are organizing a protest? When people are asked to apply for their right to free speech, who becomes privileged and who does not? Currently the University Assembly is considering a change to the Campus Code of Conduct that could greatly impact our right to free speech. 

When I was a sophomore, I took a class that changed my life and continues to guide my value system and worldview. You can’t take this course today — not here at Cornell. In fact, it was never offered here at Cornell. It has been taught at Drexel University, Hobart and William Smith College and today a version of the course is taught at Union College.

It’s the end of second year now, which means it’s around the time to start thinking about what we want to do with the rest of our lives. I was going to write this last column of the semester about the process of making those “big life decisions,” but there are more important legislative issues to discuss. The Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act of 2013 is currently before Congress.

Being an opinion columnist comes with a lot of criticism. Any decent opinion, by definition, will have dissenting viewpoints. Over the past two years, it seems as if my best columns had, along with many supporters, hoards of people who disagreed with me. For example, “Cornell’s Sexiest Majors” caused a lot of controversy.