For those of you who didn’t know, Rod Stewart was in an awesome band called “The Faces”—sometimes known simply as “Faces”—before he sold his soul to the pop music Devil. The Faces were a popular band, but never reached legendary status achieved by contemporaries like The Rolling Stones, The Who, or The Beatles.

That doesn’t mean the Faces’ music is subpar. In fact, it’s quite good. I recommend checking it out.

The reason I bring up the Faces today is because of one of their most popular songs, “Ooh La La,” seems increasingly poignant; one by one, my friends are wrapping up their final finals. That’s not a typo. I mean it. It is my peers’ last exams as undergraduates. Yikes. Everyone is wondering where the past four years have gone.

The main line in the chorus of “Oh La La” reads this way:

I wish that I knew what I know now

When I was younger

A seasoned reader will suggest that a 22-year-old blogger should not be complaining about getting old. He will tell me that my life is just beginning. Mr. Seasoned will go on a long rant about how I should “just wait ’til I get to [his] age,” because then I’ll see how young I am. I’ll lament that I lamented about getting older at the ripe, young age of 22.

Mr. Seasoned is right. Essentially, he’s singing the same song the Faces sang all those years ago. He’s the Granddad in this first verse:

Poor old Granddad, I laughed at all his words

I thought he was a bitter man

….

For love is blind and you’re far too kind

Don’t ever let it show

Granddaddy Seasoned is correct to remind us young folks that we’re only young once. In that way, I think “Oh La La” is more of a celebration of youth than it is a warning from a cynical ol’ Grandpa. The old man is telling us to lighten up a little bit.

There’s no point in worrying about this “real life” thing people keep talking about it. Sometimes, there really is only so much you can do. Most of us have worked hard to get our collegiate degrees. We have begun applying for jobs. Hell, some people already have jobs! What more can we do? I’m not suggesting we should throw all caution to the wind. That would be stupid. I suggest we follow the heart of crazy Granddad’s words. The only way to truly enjoy the point we’re at is to take a deep breath and inhale the once in a lifetime environment around us. We’re all in this purgatory together. So what, you ask? In the eternal words of Rodney Dangerfield, “So, let’s dance!”

I’m not sure about all of you other graduating classes from other schools, but here at BU we have a senior week packed with awesome events. The crazy, drunken week leads up to graduation weekend. What better way to celebrate the last four years than live in the moment this upcoming week? Instead of dwelling on things we wish we did differently, we should rejoice in the things we actually got right. Enjoy the company of the friends you grew up with since freshman year.

Go up to someone you had a crush on and tell them how you felt. What’s the worst that can happen? You get a peck on the cheek? She tells you that she felt the same way? Use that as motivation not to be so shy next time.

If you really are dwelling on a bad memory, say sorry to someone—if it’s appropriate. We’re all about to get our slates cleared again, but if your conscience needs clearing now, go for it.

We need to keep in mind that this time is special. It’s one of those rare times in life where we can go for our dreams, mess up and start over. We still have our last get out of jail free cards—figuratively speaking. I know some of you will take that literally if I don’t clarify.

Before this post becomes too preachy, I’d like to say Happy Senior Week to my fellow seniors! Whether I dislike you, met you when we were both loopy, love you, or whatever, it’s been an honor and a privilege spending the past four years with you.

Have fun this week. Soak it all in. Remember we don’t have all the answers and it’s not always easy to find them. After all, Granddaddy Seasoned said:

Poor young grandson there’s nothing I can say

You’ll have to learn, just like me

And that’s the hardest way