As they look to graduation, three senior staff members give their final thoughts to continuing Biola students.

Don’t ever let yourself believe that you’re alone. What I’ve realized as a senior is that during all the times when I thought I was the only person not to get invited, the only person who ate in the Caf by myself, the only person who felt overwhelmed during the freshman year transition or the only person who could not handle the drastic changes every single semester: I was wrong. It wasn’t until my later years at Biola that I realized everyone was experiencing that feeling of being the only one, yet we were all too afraid to say anything. Navigating those challenging emotions would have been easier had I just been open and vulnerable with a friend. It wouldn’t have been easy, but it would have been wise. So, I encourage you to be vulnerable. Do something courageous every now and then. And then do something courageous again. Live through your questions. There is no need to rush to the answers. Embrace the journey, and trust that the Lord will carry you through. And as hard as it is, find rest. College is a whirlwind of constant change, but also an incredible adventure that gives us opportunities to grow closer to the God who never changes, the God who invites us to seek him and the God who sustains, carries and rescues us, that we may spend eternity with him. — Emily Arnold

One thing can be said with 100 percent certainty about my time at Biola: It was well spent. Since the day I stepped on campus, I’ve been meeting friends and making memories. School is not all about earning good grades and collecting units, although those things are important. What makes Biola a unique experience compared to another institution is that people here care about each other, and that is what I am most thankful for. Cherish the Biola community — something like this doesn’t come around often. Get involved. Share experiences with your friends, like joining clubs, going to sporting events or concerts and exploring the outer reaches of LA County. Remember what happens here is not the end-all, be-all in your life. In reality, Biola is just the bridge between now and the next part of your life. In the words of the immortal band Semisonic, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” For some of you Biola is the new beginning, for others it is one beginning’s end. Either way, make sure you did it right. Make sure the cost of tuition was worth what you learned and experienced. Make it matter. — Joseph DeClercq

Biola is situated in a bit of a cultural vacuum, unless you consider Alberto’s authentic Mexican cuisine. But you have some of the world’s most coveted beaches, internationally-known art collections, cultural landmarks, diverse peoples and entertainment galore — all within driving distance. Yet I can’t tell you how many Biolans seem to think a GYRAD to the dollar theater is quite the event. I encourage you — nay, implore you — to take advantage of your youth and your relative freedom and immerse yourself in the culture of Los Angeles. Even if you don’t have a car, get on a train. Find a Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles for the best home cooking and liveliest atmosphere of any eatery. Head to the Getty to take in some of the most masterful art anywhere — it’s free on Saturdays. See a taping of a late-night talk show. Visit the birthplace of hard rock on the Sunset Strip. Head to Newport Beach and pretend to be rich and famous. I don’t care. Just get out there. Life without a bit of adventure isn’t living. Get your nose out of the books (or Facebook) and hoof it to LA. Pronto. — Jeff Koch