Leaving Our Hearts in Oregon

WRITTEN BY MICHAELA HAGEL

As many University of Oregon seniors prepare to press play on their futures, it is time to hit pause and relish in the joyous moments that made their year truly unforgettable. From fun times with best friends and gamedays to memorable vacations and on-campus experiences, the class of 2023 has gathered a treasure trove of memories that will bring smiles to their faces for years to come. So sit back, relax, and take a walk down memory lane.

My favorite day of any year in Eugene is the first sunny day of spring. This year was one of my favorite first sunny days. We enjoyed the nice weather sitting in my friends’ backyard ignoring our homework, playing beer pong, dancing around, and eating snacks. Days like those make me especially melancholy, because I know I am living in the memories that I will look back upon and smile. I hope I am able to live many more of these memories with the people I love most,” Betsy Woodward said.

After a rough day in class receiving negative critiques on our work, my three friends and I went to Rennie’s at 4 p.m. to unwind. It was trivia night later in the evening, and we stayed the whole way through. We didn’t realize we stayed at Rennie’s for seven hours at that point. That day was a pivotal moment in our friendship. I realized one of my friends is a movie buff and carried our team for the movie trivia round. 10/10 would do it again with them,” Katey Williams said.

My favorite memory of senior year was choreographing a flash mob for our friend’s birthday with all my best friends. We had a blast,” Mira Eagan said.

Speaking of fun times with friends, gamedays spent with friends were especially memorable. Whether at the spring game, the last fall home game, or gameday featuring College GameDay, many seniors were taking in every minute.

My favorite memory from senior year was going to the Spring Football game. I got to go with all my best friends, the weather was really nice, and all of us sang ‘Shout’ for the last time. It felt magical. I looked around and saw that every person that was there that day, are people I consider family. I feel really grateful to have met so many wonderful people during my time at UO,” Amanda Chang said.

Although it is a hard choice, one of my favorite memories from senior year is Spring Game. Going into Autzen one last time with all of my friends I grew up with these last four years was such a symbol of how far we have all come and the amazing friendships we have created,” Amelia Kennedy said.

“The final gameday we had fall quarter is my favorite memory. I was with all my best friends, it felt really special to celebrate one last time, and the ducks won! It was a great day,” Dean Griffin said.

“My favorite memory of senior year was when College GameDay came to our campus for the UCLA game, which was also parents’ weekend. My best friends and I woke up at the crack of dawn and got ready to try and be on TV while downing mimosas and coffee to stay awake. It was definitely one of the most fun game days at UO,” Isabella Morgan said.

While Autzen Stadium is certainly a popular place for favorite memories, some seniors’ most fond moments took place thousands of miles away from that beloved stadium.

“My favorite memory from senior year so far was going to Hawaii for Spring break. I had been wanting to do a big, cliché Spring break trip for my last hurrah as a university student. And I’m just really glad it worked out. I was able to go with my close friend, Madi. Now, we still laugh at the stories we tell each other from that trip,” Charlie Vigne said.

“I DM’ed a musician and he let me into his sold-out show that night. I was sitting on the metro heading to Montemarte. As I was looking up jazz clubs, I saw that Immanuel Wilkins, a Brooklyn artist had two sold-out shows that night at Le Duc. I had no expectations but I decided to be honest: ‘This is a long shot, but I’m in Paris by chance and would love to see your show at Le Duc! It’s sold out tonight but it would be an absolute dream to see you perform! I loved your Tiny Desk show. Anyways, I hope you have a great show!’ An hour later I get a buzz from my phone: ‘First set cool?’ I spent the evening listening to him and his friends play jazz music, sipping on red wine, and snacking on a charcuterie board. After the show, we talked for a short time and he thanked me for coming out. I told him I hoped to see him perform in Brooklyn sometime. After that, I got lost on the metro back to the hotel,” Mindy Tran said.

As some seniors make their way back from Hawai’i and Paris they return to meet their fellow classmates where it all started: the University of Oregon.

“My favorite part of senior year was making lots of friends in Allen Hall and having the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and make connections with so many creatives,” Rhemy Crawford said.

“My favorite memory from senior year was attending the LeaderShape conference at the end of winter term. It was an amazing experience to connect with others and learn about their passions and their visions for life. It was a privilege to be surrounded by so many motivated, incredibly kind people,” Neela Ropp said.

For this graduating class, their senior year was filled with unforgettable moments, woven together with laughter, singing, reminiscing, and friendship. As they embark on new chapters in their lives, let them carry the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the indomitable spirit of their senior year.

ILLUSTRATED BY AUBREY JAYNE DESIGNER PEYTON MCQUAIN PLAYLIST CONNOISSEUR CHLOE SARVER

Illustrated By Emma Ballman