As April begins to wind down, so many things need to fall into place for us graduating seniors. There are so many factors to consider, so many things to think about. We need to make sure all of our t’s are crossed and that all of our i’s are dotted. One little slip up, and we might not be able to walk across that stage, or be handed that diploma.

I know that I’ve been checking my program evaluation compulsively since January, making sure I’m all set. I stared at the computer screen and went through the checklist, yes I did that, this will be taken care of after this semester, and so on and so forth.

Of course, like an idiot, I waited until the second semester of my senior year to take both the Info Lit. and the Quant. But the pressure that was put on my shoulders was really what sent home the message.

I’M GRADUATING.

All I have to do is pass these tests, and finish out the semester and I am a college graduate.

It seems like just yesterday I walked onto campus as a little, na’ve freshman, eager to meet new people and further my education.

And now, four short years later, I find myself stuck at the intersection of ‘grow up and move on’ street and ‘these were the best four years of my life’ street.

Not coming back next year is going to be both wonderful, and heartbreaking at the same time. This institution has been the only thing I’ve known for the past four years.

The people I’ve grown close to and consider my best friends will no longer be right down the road. This is the time where everyone follows their own separate path, and begins a new chapter in life.

A chapter that’s going to be exciting as well as terrifying. Of course it may be difficult from time to time, but there are also going to be rewarding moments too, and that’s what I have to focus on.

We’re going to enter the real world, finally be a part of society and give something back. We’ve all paid our dues, and have worked hard for the past four years to get to where we are today.

That first job, that first car you buy or even the first house you buy. They’re all milestones that are on the horizon, and although this may be the end of college, there are still so many accomplishments to look forward to.