As my time as an undergraduate student is coming to a close, there is one thing that stands out to me as the greatest influence that I have received during my time here. This item carries weight, yet it can also be freeing and reviving. It can cause the deepest pain or stir the most sensational joy. If I can give one piece of knowledge that I have obtained during my past four years, it is this: the weight of a word.

To think of every word that I’ve spoken, typed, written, sung, thought or mumbled from the time that I set foot in Sears dorm to when I walk across the Benson stage May 10, is almost incomprehensible. I am blessed with a great memory, however, so there are words and conversations that stand out to me clearer than ever.

There are thousands of serious, sentimental and silly moments that I can recall. There are chapel lessons and cafeteria conversations that remind me I am not alone in this world. There are computers throughout campus where I have spent hours pouring time and effort into perfecting papers or projects. There are folders holding sheet music that I have sung and memorized. There are mugs that hold my daily coffee as I intertwine work, study, play and peace at Midnight Oil.

I know through all these words from myself and others that I am loved and appreciated, even when I choose the wrong words or the right ones. As a public relations major, words are my love language. I hear them and soak them in. I write them and convey a message that is understandable and attainable. I sing them in praise, and I stretch out the phrases for each hymn and song as if they are brushstrokes in a painting. I read them continuously in a plethora of ways and through an abundance of means.

I hold words so very dear to me, and they resound through my mind regardless of time or forgetfulness. I scribble them on Post-Its; I tweet them in 140 characters; I write them in my prayers, and I share them with others every opportunity I get. We all have a choice to make when we formulate our thoughts and structure our syntax and attempt to communicate a message.

We must decide whether we will share words of hope, encouragement, affirmation or praise. We can choose to tear down, rip apart or condemn others with even a sentence fragment. It is our responsibility to own up to our words and to realize they can provide peace or pain.

To every person that has shared their words with me here, be they good or bad, I thank you. Thank you for putting your thoughts onto paper or speaking sayings of advice or admonition. Your words have brought me life and have the power to do so for others.

So be mindful of where your words are heard, seen or read. Know their weight. Know that I thank you for each of them, and I thank you for allowing me to share a few.

“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” -Colossians 4:6