Graduation DeJamz

Annie Koziel, Arts & Life Editor: “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root

It is my unshakeable opinion that this is the ultimate song of the summer. It’s such a fun listen, and it reminds me of being a kid while also sending me “on my way” into the future. And there’s no beating these wisest of words: “Oombayseeyou, oombaytellyou to run.”

Lindsay Freiberger, Asst. Arts & Life Editor: “Mrs. Robinson” by Simon & Garfunkel

I haven't seen “The Graduate” in a while, but I find the movie quite fitting right now. Not the affair part, of course, but a soon to be graduate living back in my childhood home in Pasadena, avoiding the inevitable question: What do you want to do with your life? So, as I try to figure it out, this song will be in my head.

LiLi Jarvenpa, Editor-in-Chief: “Tout là-haut” by Zaz

This song got me through so much of undergrad and grad school. According to Spotify, I listened to it 212 times. Between listening to it on repeat while writing 10 page papers and during my commute to class, this song has been with me through all of it. In English, the opening lyrics say, “If we went all the way up there/If we were to conquer the height/You would see that the world is beautiful.” This is the energy I want to take with me post-graduation.

Tori Treviño, La DePaulia News Editor: “Godspeed” by Frank Ocean

Please don’t ask me how I feel about graduating because I will break down in tears. I have a Frank Ocean tattoo, and one of my best friends that I met here has this song tattooed. I also read a lyric from this song at my high school graduation: “You look down on where you came from sometimes, but you’ll have this place to call home always.” SO TRUE. I love it here.

Jeremy Battle, Director of Photography & Multimedia: “Careful” by Paramore

Paramore has been my favorite band for a really long time, so it’s only right that they’d make an appearance in my final DeJamz! In my sixteen years of schooling, I’ve learned to never be too careful. Going into the real world, I’m putting my loudest foot forward and getting everything I know I deserve. Every good thing I’ve gained in these past four years has come from being a radical advocate for myself. This song always reminds me that my confidence isn’t so irrational.

Riley Moulton, Social Media Editor: “Nausea” by Jeff Rosenstock

Honestly, I might scream “I GOT SO TIRED OF DISCUSSING MY FUTURE” while getting my diploma. This song is a complete confession of Jeff Rosenstock’s anxiety surrounding what's next, which has turned into an anthem for anyone overwhelmed by the future. Some say that Rosenstock's music is just awkward screaming, but whenever I start feeling scared about finishing my undergraduate degree, I put this song on and let myself feel everything.

Anna Barth, Opinions Editor: “How's It Going to Be” by Third Eye Blind

It is crazy to think how much I have changed from freshman year to now. This song makes me think of the people I used to know, and the person they may still think I am. Though college was not all unicorns and rainbows, it gave me the chance to grow in ways I never expected. I am forever grateful for the trials and errors of my undergraduate education and the person it has shaped me into. It’s a bittersweet feeling.

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