Golden Hours: A Love Letter to My Last Fall at NYU

Even though it’s my last fall at NYU, it felt like a fresh start when classes began. The energy on campus was still the same. The first day had that familiar buzz of excitement that always makes the semester feel new. There’s nothing like that first walk to class—leaves crunching underfoot, iced coffee in hand, the cold air waking me up. This time, it felt different. Like I was seeing NYU with new eyes, knowing these are my last few months to call it home. I noticed things I hadn’t before, appreciating each detail. Even though it’s the final chapter, there’s still so much to discover. New classes are sparking my curiosity. I’m finding corners of campus I haven’t explored. And even in just a few weeks, I’ve met new people who’ve already left a mark.

This semester I’m diving into projects that matter more than ever. Knowing it’s my last chance to work with these professors and classmates pushes me to engage more deeply. I’m writing essays that reflect not just what I’ve learned but who I’ve become since that first semester as a wide-eyed first-year. One of the most meaningful parts of this semester is preparing for my senior project: writing a book. I’ve dreamed of this moment for so long, and now it’s finally here, just on the horizon. Every class discussion, every assignment, and every late-night brainstorming session feels like it’s pushing me toward that goal. It’s exciting and terrifying all at once. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. It feels like everything I’ve worked for is coming together, and I’m ready to embrace the challenge.

As much as I try to stay in the moment, nostalgia keeps tugging at me. I walk by spots filled with memories—where I came out as nonbinary to friends who embraced me or where I attended my first NYU event and felt part of something bigger. This city and this campus have been the backdrop to so many key moments in my life. It’s hard not to get emotional knowing it’s all ending soon. At the same time, I’ve never felt more connected to the people around me. My friends, my professors, even the baristas who know my coffee order—it all feels more meaningful now. Every conversation is deeper, every laugh louder, because I know these are the last few months we’ll all share this experience together.

While part of me wishes to freeze time, there’s also excitement about what’s next. This fall has been a time for reflection and growth, preparing me for the next chapter, whatever it may be. I don’t know exactly where I’ll end up after graduation, but I know this: the lessons I’ve learned here, inside and outside the classroom, will stay with me forever. As much as I want to hold on to these moments, I’m eager to take what I’ve gained from NYU and carry it into the world. I feel ready—ready to write my book, ready to step into the future, and ready to embrace whatever comes next. Each step forward feels like a new adventure waiting to unfold.

So, here it is: a love letter to my last fall semester. Thank you for the memories, for the lessons, and for teaching me to slow down and appreciate it all—every moment, every conversation, every walk through these streets. You’ve given me more than I ever imagined, and I’ll carry it long after the leaves fall. This isn’t goodbye, NYU—it’s just “see you later.” The impact you’ve had on me will last far beyond this final fall.