As I sit in Starbucks drinking my pumpkin spice latte and reading for my Women and Gender studies class, I think about how this is my last fall in Norman. It’s so crazy how fast time flies. Four years ago, I remember eagerly anticipating the homecoming game and parade, walking down the South Oval and admiring the beautiful mum gardens, and breathing in all the fall goodness.

There’s just something so magical about campus in the fall. Football season is in full swing and Sooner spirit can be felt everywhere. All the students have smiles on their faces, even though it’s the middle of midterm season and we are just a little sleep deprived. The weather is pleasantly cool, which is amazing to walk to class in. And with all the rain we have been receiving, I get to rock my stylish rain boots (best investment ever).

As I soak in my last fall on this campus, I think about all of the things that OU has given me that I am so thankful for. I have had the opportunity to receive a wonderful education from some of the top academic programs in the country. I have met so many people that I would have never come into contact with if it weren’t for OU. I have friendships that will last a lifetime although my college experience is about to end. I look back on the freshman Jade that was admiring the mums that only bloom around homecoming for the first time and senior Jade that is studying for one of her last college classes ever and think about how much I have grown.

I guess what I am trying to say with this is enjoy every aspect of OU that you can. Make the most out of every wonderful season you spend here in Norman. So that one day when you are drinking a pumpkin spice latte and reflecting back on your college experience, you can smile and remember the wonders of your first fall at the University of Oklahoma.

Jade Owen
Oklahoma City, OK
Multidisciplinary Studies
Psychology minor
Class of 2013