Damn you, Semisonic, for making that song which inevitably comes to mind whenever some important chapter in your life comes to an end. Last night was no such exception, as I wrapped up my 5B Graduation Shows at iO.

MIKEROCOSM - on the very same couch where this whole thing started for me.

It’s been a long, wild ride. 63 weeks, to be exact (7 levels, 8 weeks each plus 7 weeks of shows). Although I came to Chicago on a scholarship through The Second City, I knew I was going to end up taking classes at iO…I just didn’t know when. After moving here on August 16, 2010 and realizing I didn’t have much on my plate, I decided at the very last minute to sign up for Level 1. The only class I could get into was Friday nights at 7pm with Craig Uhlir. Little did I know that this decision would end up being one of the greatest, most spontaneous and luckiest moves I have ever made. A year and a half later, I have learned from some great instructors but more importantly I have become close friends with some incredibly talented and hilarious people. Nothing against Second City’s Conservatory program, but it seems like iO breeds that “community” vibe like no other (undoubtedly due to all the free shows students get to see in addition to the bars in each theater leading to some quality hangout time; yeah…I’m pretty sure it’s mostly the bars in the theaters).

I know who I want to take me home…..Adam Claus; that guy can lift me straight over his head.

Like all students, I had my ups and downs. I had an amazing Level 1 class and instantly bonded with my classmates. I had a couple of rough patches in the middle levels and some stretches near the end where I struggled a bit. Now that I look back, those “slumps” were all self-created and simply attributed to me getting in the way of myself. Luckily, I had a stellar group of peers that I was able to feed off during those times. All in all, the highs far outweighed the lows and yesterday was no exception. After feeling the butterflies for the past few weeks, last night I had a great sense of calm before the show…and my class, MIKEROCOSM, went out with a bang. Amazing shows by both teams; really made me proud to be a part of that group. And while we’re at it, great shows by everyone throughout the run! Whatever team is formed from our level is going to be a killer group. Fo reals.

Closing time…you don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here.

So now our time is up and we have to begrudgingly make way for the next batch of 5B shows. And like the song goes, we don’t have to go home (we’ll be out drinking and doing shows elsewhere) but we can’t stay here (at iO…our IDs expire at the beginning of January).

Jokes and sentimental lyrics aside, I couldn’t have more love for the people I’ve shared this experience with. Thanks for the good times and great memories!