The reality has yet to set in.

I’m now a senior in his last semester,

yet I still feel like that 2019 freshman in his first semester.

I feel college will never end.

But it seems to be a chapter soon to be closed, with emails coming in left and right stating,

“You ARE currently on track to graduate!”

So, in just 4 months,

I will be thrown off into what everyone calls “the real world.”

Over the past 4 years,

I have managed to acquire a double major with a minor.

Although, will my double major acquire me a sufficient occupation?

And again, what is this “real world” going to do to me?

Will I thrive,

or will I drive cross country in a van and just survive?

Over the past 48 months,

I’ve either woken up with hangovers or sleepless nights because of restless homework.

Although, I found balance.

I found the balance between my thrilling party life and academic schooling.

I found the balance between my hectic friends and enthusiastic professors.

But most importantly, I found balance with myself.

I was able to obtain full excitement while passing in each assignment somewhat on time.

Over the past 1,460 days,

not only have I had a smile on my face, but I’ve had support from all whom I’ve met.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve had some frowns on my face too.

But it’s the support from all whom I’ve met that got me through the gloomy, drowsy feeling days.

Without the support of my friends and professors,

I would not be where I am today.

I would not be graduating in four months

and I would not have the confidence that I have acquired during my time here.

So, Castleton University,

I have been here for 35,040 hours, 2,102,400 minutes, 126,144,000 seconds,

and somehow, I don’t want to go.

The “real world” is calling me, but the “real world” seems threatening.

My home has been 343 green, and I don’t want to leave.

So, I will cherish all that I have learned, each laugh I’ve had and each door held open for me.

Thank you, Castleton University,

I’m going to enjoy the hell out of my final semester.

Cheers.