The end

Today was the last day of classes at BYU (my last last day of classes as a student here! Eek!). I asked my Writing 150 students to reflect briefly on what they learned from 150 that they will carry on to other classes or to life in general.

There were many smart and interesting comments, but I think my favorite came from a student who remarked that learning about rhetoric has helped her to better understand the process of expression and communication. She writes: "People just make a lot more sense now."

What this first-year student gained from Writing 150 is, I think, precisely what I've gained from a two-year master's program in rhetoric and composition. After all the response papers, seminar papers, discussions, lectures, late nights, mugs of herbal tea, readings, and the thesis, the most valuable thing I've gained is a greater understanding of who I am and who other people are and the ways in which we communicate with and influence one another.

The funny thing is, I feel like I'm now at the beginning of something instead of at the end of it. I love, love BYU and will miss being a student on this campus, but here at the end of it all, I'm more grateful than regretful. I'm grateful for what BYU has given me: the understanding, knowledge, and confidence that makes me excited to move on and eager for what's next.

After nearly seven years here, things (people, me, life) just make more sense now.

Thanks, BYU.