Writing is not only a career choice for me. It is also a catharsis. So for the last column of my senior year, I was tempted to write a scathing attack on the administration for every bad thing that had ever happened to me, whether it was their fault or not. Oh, was I tempted.

But, if my time in higher education has taught me anything it’s that accentuating the positive just makes more sense.

So, in no particular order, here is my top ten list of life lessons  I’ve learned at Wartburg College.

10. Learning to love Iowa
When I told classmates at my suburban Twin Cities high school that I was going to Iowa for college, you should have heard the comments. “Umm...are you going to live in a cornfield?” After four years as an Iowa transplant, I can safely say I have come to love the small-town way of life and the many Iowa friends I have made.

9. Professors who care
No, really. Too many adults write off members of our generation as Internet and cell phone addicted bums. Thanks to advisers Thomas Boerigter and Pam Ohrt, the GMCS staff and my Trumpet advisers for listening to my random problems.

8. Realizing I need my parents
No, I don’t like admitting it, but I do. As they say in the “Shoes” video, “Thanks mom and dad!”

7. Learning I am stronger than I thought I was.
I must have lived a charmed life before I went to college, because no sooner had I moved into my dorm room than it all came crashing down. I’ve dealt with the cancer of countless friends and family and robbery/life in a third-world country. And I have come out alive and better for it. Now I know I can handle whatever life throws my way. I hope you can, too.

6. Gaining a new perspective
My friends are sick of hearing about my study abroad experience in Argentina. But I can’t help but sharing the first and last time in my life when I will consider figuring out how to ride the bus a major life accomplishment. Once one’s world has been opened up, it’s hard to close it down again. And that’s a very, very good thing.

5. Work ethic
OK, so I never did figure out the whole “don’t write the 20 page paper the night before it’s due” thing. But I did learn that the only way to get anywhere is by working to reach your goals. That, or by winning “Deal or No Deal.”

4. Friends
Friends don’t always “know you and love you anyway.” Sometimes they say “Hey, get your act together!” Sometimes they share their last pack of Ramen. And sometimes they go out with you even though you are the worst dancer ever. Thank you. And I’m sorry.

3. The Wartburg Trumpet
Not really a life lesson, but I hope you’ve enjoyed it. Thanks to all who have worked with me until 3 a.m putting the beast to bed.

2. Learning to relax
I walk fast. I eat fast. I type fast. I trip, I spill my food on every shirt I have ever owned and I make typos like it’s my job. I guess life really is too short to rush through.

1. It’s out there