Lingering echo of Goodbye: When farewell feels like a release and a tether

You recall a student who struggled with self-doubt, their voice barely a whisper in the initial classes, who now stands tall, ready to face the world with newfound conviction. You remember another who overcame personal challenges with quiet resilience, their graduation a testament to their unwavering spirit.

- SAAHAS GUJRAL

The end of an academic year is always a curious blend of emotions, a bittersweet symphony that plays out in the hallowed halls of our college. As an assistant professor, I've witnessed this cycle repeat for nearly fifteen years-the eager arrival of fresh-faced students, their journey through knowledge and growth, and then, the inevitable farewell as they step out into the vast expanse of the world.

This departure, this act of saying goodbye, carries a weight that often surprises us all. Suddenly, the final year students, on the cusp of a significant life transition, become acutely vulnerable. The comfortable structure of college life dissolves before them, replaced by the daunting question of "what next?" It's during these poignant moments that they often seek out guidance, a listening ear amidst the swirling anxieties. And in those conversations, a profound truth often emerges: more than answers, they crave to be heard, their fears and hopes acknowledged.

It's a bittersweet feeling for us educators too. We've watched these young individuals evolve, nurtured their potential, perhaps even offered a stern word or two when needed. Over time, a unique bond forms, a sense of protectiveness akin to a parent for their child. Releasing them into a world that feels undeniably harsher, less forgiving than the sheltered environment we've cultivated, can be emotionally taxing.

The last few weeks, the final exams, the farewell ceremonies-these become precious, almost sacred moments. Both students and teachers cling to this shared time and space, a tacit understanding that this particular constellation of people, within these familiar walls, may never quite align again. Perhaps it's more than mere destiny that orchestrates these temporary unions.