Alarm clocks go off, kegs get kicked, curtains fall, shot clocks run out, closing hymns are sung, seemingly infallible bars get busted, even kids from a creek-side town eventually surrender their WB series and this weekend, college careers conclude.

Sometimes it seems like we've spent most of the last four years trying not to finish things. We stayed up all night playing Snood and talking on IM to avoid writing papers, wished spring break would last forever and saved the last Flex points of the semester for candy at LaFortune. It's all part of our denial as we try to forget that we're about to be forced into a place where a down economy and war can affect us a little more harshly than it could while we were under the shadow of the Golden Dome.

Four years passed by way too fast, but they didn't just happen passively. We participated in our college experiences and we learned things along the way. Whether changing majors, political views, life plans or significant others, change we did; and with each change we became a little more ready to face whatever it is we will do after Sunday.

That's why it's alright that we're leaving — even if we've been ready for years or never wanted to go. Besides, commencement technically means beginning, not end. And even though we're supposedly starting over and moving on, we've picked up some things along the way — a few inside jokes, ridiculous SYR outfits, damning photographs and best friends.

Though 22 years old feels ancient when reminiscing about our favorite episodes of "Saved by the Bell," Madonna songs and stirrup stretch pants, it is truly just the beginning. The decades ahead are guaranteed to be different, but that doesn't mean they have to be worse. In fact, post-grad life should be the fulfillment of what we've been working toward since the fall of 1999. Somewhere in between Rallies in the Alley, ResLife hearings, thesis research and road trips, we learned some useful stuff. We learned the stuff that makes Notre Dame students renowned for their compassion, hard work and spirit.

Although this week of lasts will cause tears and farewells, it also leads us to an endless number of firsts. So we'll remember Notre Dame for its traditions, those that were here long before the class of 2003 and those we initiated ourselves. Because those traditions will be here — continuing to make Notre Dame the paradox of conventionalism and perpetual change that it's always been — while we go out and commence again.

• Nothing lasts forever