I’m quite sentimental at this moment. As a senior preparing to graduate in a few weeks, I was not expecting to make so many new friends during my last couple of quarters on campus. I’ve genuinely met so many incredible people I would never have known if it weren’t for trying new things. I reflect on my journey through this institution and see that I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in every community I’ve wanted to be part of, with some major ones completed during my final year.
Spring Reflections from a Senior
At the time of writing this (April 14, 2026):
It’s currently 11:54 pm. I just got back from a Grease rehearsal at Memorial Auditorium, and I’m microwaving my Late Plate dinner (at this point, a heavier midnight snack). We did a full run-through of our show— costumes, mics, and all— from start to finish for the first time tonight. We open the show to the public in two days (AH). I’m performing with friends whom I’ve known for the past four years, friends I've made in the past year and a half, and all kinds of friends in between. There are so many people I wouldn’t have met or even gotten to know if it weren’t for this show. A whole community of wonderful, talented, and kind individuals who have the same goal of wanting to put on a good show. We all came together for this, and our hard work is (hopefully) about to pay off.
I’m quite sentimental at this moment. As a senior preparing to graduate in a few weeks, I was not expecting to make so many new friends during my last couple of quarters on campus. I’ve genuinely met so many incredible people I would have never known if it weren’t for participating in these new things. I reflect on my journey through this institution and see that I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in every community I’ve wanted to be part of, with some major ones completed during my senior year. With my undergraduate journey coming to a close, co-op life (shoutout Kairos!), student organizing, musical theater, and IDA are new spaces where I’ve truly found community.
My dear Flourish reader, never be afraid to do the thing you’ve always wanted to do. It truly is never too late to try something new, whether you are a frosh or a senior! You will find community and belonging when you open your heart to it.
- Spoiler Alert (post-show weekend): Grease went wonderfully! And the cast is hanging out socially later this week.
Written by: Sam Dizon, Class of 2026
Resources
Stanford Resources
- Cooperative houses: Student-managed residences in which house members cooperate in the operation and governance of the house.
- Ram's Head Theatrical Society: Stanford's oldest and largest theatrical organization.
- The Institute for Diversity in the Arts: Supports visionary arts leadership by stewarding the power of the arts towards social action.