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As I write this column, I’m missing my last class as an undergraduate to meet the noon deadline. It’s rather fitting.

I have learned a lot during my time at UCLA. For example, as an anthropology student, I can give a spiel about mega-fauna and the Upper Paleolithic if need be.

But I have also learned to prioritize. And today is not the first time I’ve put The Bruin at the top of the list.

Looking back at the last four years, UCLA has been quite a journey. And like any trip, the quality is heavily dependent on what you choose to do and whom you do it with. Where you are is merely a formality.

In the same way people keep travel diaries and buy souvenir shot glasses to mark the places they have been, I have stacks of newspapers at my apartment, starting with the one I picked up on my first tour of UCLA, that do the same for me – they mark my time here.

I remember the last four years through the Daily Bruin’s coverage. In a sense, my memory is a jumble of headlines, stories and photos. Occasionally, some of my own bylines made the cut.

Among my many pages are stories about the California recall, a presidential election and a war.

Just as memorable is the cold night spent in a tent with students fighting for a diversity requirement, and I will always have the story of the homeless guys I went to dinner with on a summer night.

By looking through these old papers, I not only remember all the “important” stuff, I also remember my own years here.

The Bruin has taught me to seize the moment, to keep my ground while being sensitive to others, and to challenge what I’m told.

Through reporting and editing, I have also learned countless facts about UCLA and new things about myself. I’ve even been called the staff mom or grandma on a few occasions.

But on top of it all, I’ve learned that it’s OK to take chances, it’s important to think outside the box, and it’s necessary to trust others.

Coming to college, I could not have imagined what it would be like to graduate.

As I walked away from Kerckhoff one last time, I couldn’t help but get teary-eyed. I spent hours thinking about stories we told and ones we never got around to.

Graduation gives us a chance to start another voyage. The open road is inviting, and it’s priceless to be able to look back at what you’ve accomplished, even if the tangible evidence is recyclable.

Like many others in my position, I’m walking away from here with a fuzzy idea as to where I’m going. But I can tell you this: It has been one heck of a ride.

Zohoury has also served as a news writer and an assistant news editor. She would like to thank the Bruin staff for driving her insane while keeping her sane at the same time.