Much more than those who came before us, our generation is characterized by a fear of commitment. Dates are a thing of the past. They occur only after a relationship has miraculously sprouted and indicate a certain, intimidating level of seriousness. In 1966, only 1.7 percent of college freshmen had undecided majors. Nowadays, most of us enter college undecided and change our minds several times. These are uncertain times we live in, and no one wants to get his or her heart broken. It’s not easy to take a leap of faith and commit.

As a freshman at UA, I was timid and skeptical. I hung back a bit at first, afraid of what it would mean to jump in with both feet and immerse myself in this community. After all, we’re only here for four years. Isn’t your undergraduate degree just a small stepping-stone in the grand scheme of things? As I near the end of my undergraduate career, I realize the best decision I ever made was to close my eyes, pinch my nose, hold my breath and fall deeply in love with this place.

As in any relationship, I had to first master vulnerability. Difficult? Yes, but it gets easier. Only by being open to disappointment, failure and heartbreak can we muster the courage to put ourselves out there. I began attending events, reading my e-mails, signing up for things, getting rejected from a few things and taking advantage of the wisdom of the incredible faculty and staff here. They understand how difficult it is to fall in love and will do anything to make the transition easier if we let them.

Sure as shootin’, I fell in love. I fell in love with Alabama’s quirky small towns and varied geography. I formed friendships that have become quite necessary to my existence and found a major I adore. I fell in love with Alabama football and The Legend (that one was easy). I came to appreciate this University’s complicated history. I developed a love so deep that I would do anything to protect the honor and future of this hallowed place. This may sound like a silly, romantic notion to you commitment-phobes, but it’s true.

As I leave Alabama, its lessons will not soon leave me. The relationships I’ve won and lessons I’ve learned about life, love, justice and the pursuit of knowledge are forever imprinted on my heart. So, to my fellow students, I hope you take the plunge, fall in love and — for heaven’s sake — go on some dates.

Hallie Paul is president of Anderson Society and was the first president of Honors College Assembly.