Coming to Emory as a freshman I had no idea what to expect and now leaving I can still say the same: I do not know what to expect. What I do know, however, is that my time at Emory has been a meaningful experience.

The last four years have been filled with highs, lows and everything in between, but I am happy to say that it has been mostly highs.

I am glad that my overall experience has been amazing. For me, Emory has been a place where students challenge their own understandings and work to make ideas a reality. Leadership, academics and social excellence are all part of the Emory experience; however, there is something more than that. My experiences at Emory have changed me in so many ways. In addition to professional and academic changes, Emory has changed me as a person.

During my time at Emory I have grown with my classmates, seen the face of the campus evolve and had a lot of fun. As I reflect upon my time at Emory it is filled with great memories: making friends durging the first weeks of freshman year, the inexplicable laziness of sophomore year, bonding over organic chemistry pains junior year and senior year Fast-A-Thon planing.

For the seniors, congratulations on all you have achieved, but what truly matters in the future is what we continue to achieve. For those returning in the fall, please seize every opportunity that comes your way. Emory provides you with unparalleled resources to reach your potential, but it's up to you to seize them.

I want to thank my family and friends who have constantly been there for me. Mom, thank you for all that you had to put up with and always pushing me to do my best. As for all my friends, I really do not know what I would have done for the past four years without you guys. I will miss you all greatly.

Hamad Hamad graduated from the College in May 2012.