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- My Unconventional Graduation Playlist
I moved to New York City at eighteen in the murky, end-of-summer August heat for college. Last week I graduated college wearing a purple gown and tossing a black cap into the air. I feel incredibly proud of this, but even prouder to have watched the evolution of those I met, the person I’ve become, and the list of songs I’ve curated here that captures the true college experience. While there are definitely a few festive tracks on this list, think of this playlist as a reflection of the highs, lows, and everything in between—authenticity, perseverance, and saying goodbye.
“Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America” by The 1975
College is often the first time people get the chance to truly be themselves—away from their hometown, families, and former lives. This track is an exploration of that contrast—a desperation to be the person you need to be, shedding the skin of the person you once were. Personally, this track summarized my freshman year of college, and at eighteen years old, through listening to this song with my friends, I felt accepted for who I am, as I am.
“400 Lux” by Lorde
Parties in dorm rooms. Trips to the deli. Running around the busy streets at night, not because you have anywhere to go, simply because you can. College is chaos and liberation, and sometimes it’s simply “killing time.”
“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
I don’t think much explanation is needed for why “The Climb” is on my graduation list. This is peak nostalgia.
“Apple Pie” by Lizzy McAlpine
What does “home” feel like to you? According to Lizzy McAlpine, it feels like “city life, apple pie baked just right.” This track is a moment of temporary safety, when everything feels okay, even if for just a split moment. It feels like the best of college.
“Bye” by Ariana Grande
While “Bye” is about leaving a relationship, isn’t school also a relationship of its own? It’s time to let go of all the baggage, of the noise, and simply let yourself have a moment of peace—to relish in the pure bliss of freedom. “Now it’s time to choose me — so I grab my stuff, Courtney just pulled up — in the driveway, it’s time—bye bye.”
“My Blood” by Rachel Chinouriri
College is a time of soaring highs, but also crashing lows. My Blood encapsulates the lowest of these moments, and despite such intense pain, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. “It’s my blood that I do this for.”
“Lola” by Maude Latour
For all my 22 year olds who are young and entranced with someone new, this is your anthem. You may not know much, but you know that for tonight, you have reason to believe in something great. Also—never forget your worth.
“Salt Lake City” by Etta Marcus
Do you ever dream of leaving the world behind and starting somewhere new? “This town doesn’t suit you, this town doesn’t suit me — let’s start a new life in Salt Lake City.”
“Mirrorball” by Taylor Swift
School is greater than the pursuit for higher education, but a reflection of hard work, of sacrifice, and community. What does it feel like to “try, try, try?” “Mirrorball” is for my hard workers, for those who feel the weight of never being enough. Take my word for it: you are.
“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield:
The world may feel like a “blank page,” but graduation symbolizes one grand end for an even grander beginning. Take this moment and “live your life with arms wide open,” your new future is yet to be written.
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