Senior year is finally here, and it can be overwhelming.

Exciting thoughts of graduation and moving away bring my future into focus. I often find myself, like many seniors, wanting to fast-forward. Then, I remember the little freshman girl who applied to Auburn four years ago, excited to begin a new chapter filled with so many desires and expectations. I wouldn’t be myself without this school. Auburn taught me about who I am, and (more importantly) who I can be. I became an adult. I made many mistakes and learned from them. I realized that I cannot do anything without God, and I took the creed to heart, aiming to uphold every stanza.

The amazing thing about Auburn is that it is yours. No one person’s experience is the same, and Auburn has given us all an education to be proud of. So whether you are a freshman just starting out, or a senior getting ready to enter the real world, here are 10 things all Auburn students should all be thankful for.

Hard Work

You may or may not be aware that Auburn has a 70.86% graduation rate. That’s huge coupled with the fact that the lowest ACT score accepted is a 24. Also, Auburn is ranked in the top 5 toughest colleges to receive an “A.” So, if you are still going strong, give yourself a pat on the back.

A Prestigious Degree

For 24 consecutive years Auburn has been ranked in the top 50 public universities by U.S. News and World Report. It was also ranked as one of America’s Top Colleges by Forbes. Auburn also has numerous programs that are nationally ranked as well, so you know that when you hang your diploma on the wall of your office one day, you’ll have a lot to be proud of.

Extra-Curricular Activities

With a little over 500 clubs on campus, it is easy to find something to be a part of. If the 507 different clubs don’t interest you, the process of starting one is easy. Campus Recreation also offers a variety of intramural and club sports for students wanting to relive the glory days.

A Beautiful Campus

Although the first few months of school are pretty hot, I think everyone can agree that having a walkable campus is a plus. Nothing beats a pretty day on Samford lawn or a stroll through the Quad.

Community Service and Outreach

We have been ranked in the top 15 U.S. schools for service and outreach, and that’s something to be proud of. Here are some other tidbits of information that make Auburn a national name when it comes to selflessness: Auburn's Miracle Network Dance Marathon was named the “youngest program in the Southeast to reach $1,000,000 in total fundraising” was awarded the “Best Storytelling Award in honor of Miracle Child Martin Thiele at Dance Marathon Leadership Conference 2016.”

Auburn Football and Tailgating

An Auburn tradition as deeply rooted as the trees, Auburn football is not only entertaining, but it brings us together, making the Auburn Family that much more of a family. And what would Auburn football be without tailgating?

Toomer’s Corner

Toomer’s has become an Auburn tradition since the doors first opened in 1896. It is where the tradition of rolling the oaks began, and where people would gather in the early days of football to hear the score. Just like the hand-squeezed lemonade served here, this tradition is sweet and enjoyed by all who visit.

Aubie the Tiger

It’s impossible to think of Auburn and not picture Aubie. A 9-time UCA National Champion, he has stolen all of our hearts and continues to entertain audiences across the U.S. since his debut in 1979.

The Faculty

If you’re in a small program like I am, you probably know your professors pretty well. Most of them truly care about their students. Yeah, they'll push you hard — even to the breaking point sometimes — but they want you to reach your potential and succeed in whatever you're hoping to do.

The Auburn Family

What’s amazing about the Auburn Family is that it really is a family. You can be halfway across the world and still hear the cherished words “War Eagle” shouted through a crowded street. No matter what the Auburn Family looks like to you, we can all agree that there will always be a group of people that bleed orange and blue in our lives.  

I’ll leave you with these words, because nothing embodies the character of Auburn better than the Auburn Creed, written by George Petrie.

“I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.

I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully.

I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men.

I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities.

I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all.

I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.

I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by "doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God.

And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it.”

Be well, Auburn

Photography: Lydia P.