My last semester here at Emory has brought an onset of mixed feelings, ranging from nostalgia to relief to anticipation. But each of these emotions has been accompanied by and interwoven with one prevailing sentiment: a sense of gratitude.

Gratitude for the opportunity that I’ve been given to experience the wealth of knowledge available only at an institution of higher learning like Emory (even if most of that knowledge came the night before each exam). For the beautiful campus I’ll miss dearly, one with glowing white marble buildings that reflect the orange sunset. For the space to grow and discover, whether through classes or activities or just everyday interactions. But most of all, I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve been able to develop during my four years here.

So I just want to say thank you to all these incredible people I’ve been fortunate enough to meet and spend time with — more faculty, friends, and peers than I can fit into this brief reflection.

Thank you to my randomly assigned roommate, who has somehow stuck with me for all four years, and who has literally carried me to my bed. Thank you for showing me that, even on my worst nights, there’s still tomorrow morning, and that I don’t always have to get there alone.

Thank you to my professor, who makes an effort to attend each of her students’ sports events and music recitals. Thank you for teaching me (besides the basics of tort law) the importance of passion and commitment and how to impact the lives of those around me.

Thank you to my friend, who I met on the first day of class in the same office, asking the same question to the same advisor, and who I’m convinced is destined to be my lifelong (platonic) soulmate. You have partially restored my belief in fate and are proof that maybe, just maybe, some things are meant to be.

Even though the road to graduation has been paved with uncertainty, demoralization and a good deal of sleep deprivation, these relationships are the most valuable gifts I’ve received in college, and are what have led me to cherish my Emory experience. And as I leave this charming little campus behind and venture into the so-called “real world,” I am grateful that I will carry with me these bonds that extend far beyond the confines of Clifton Road and Eagle Row.

As a quote often misattributed to A.A. Milne says, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” For I do consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to spend four inspiring, stressful, demanding, wonderful years here with you all.

Geoffrey Tseng is from Livingston, N.J., and served as the Student Government Association BBA Liaison. After graduation, Tseng plans to work as a research associate at NERA Economic Consulting in New York.