When you start your freshman year of high school, you’re told that those four years that you have there are going to fly by. And, they do. They surpass any definition that you had attached to the phrase “gone in the blink of an eye.” Understandably, you’re sad and upset that the time has passed so quickly, but you’re happy that you have something huge to look forward to: college. But what if I were to tell you that that happiness is short lived? It’s short lived because college flies by faster than those 4 years of high school ever could.

Maybe it’s the late nights out and early mornings to class, long winter and summer breaks, or maybe some of that alcohol that you experimented with your first time away from home with complete freedom. Whatever it is that makes the time go by so fast, your time in college comes and goes entirely too quick. And before you know it, all of those new things that you were experiencing your freshmen year of college will have become old habits by the time your senior year arrives. You learn to juggle class, work, and a social life with ease. You learn how to be an adult without really having to be an adult. And then, while you were busy running through the motions of your daily college life, it’s over. And all of the things that had quickly turned into expected, “run of the mill” parts of your day will be gone, just like all of the things you took for granted in your four years of high school.

Before you know it, Saturday breakfast brunches at the cafeteria will be gone. Before you know it, pulling an all-nighter to finish a final project that’s worth half of your grade will become nothing but a lesson. Before you know it, all of those nights that you spent at the movies, out in bars, on “frat row,” and taking 2 a.m. adventures will have become memories. Before you know it, the friends you made your freshman year, which seems like only yesterday, the ones who have been by your side through every good and bad day of your college career, will be moving on with their lives and working towards the same goals that you all started out this journey having.

The things that you think you'll have forever will quickly and harshly remind you that you won’t. So, try your very hardest to never take it for granted. Go out on a Tuesday when you have an 8 a.m. class on a Wednesday. Be the loudest at every single football game. Complain with your friends about the professor who “just expects too much from you,” even though they and you know that you’re more than capable. Eat Ramen noodles while happily enjoying the “college struggle.” Take that nap. Binge-watch that Netflix series. Get into fights, and be “man” enough to apologize. Take thousands of pictures with your friends. Work hard and play hard. Because this is it, people. This is the last time that we can really live out our youth to our and its greatest ability. It’s a blessing to be able to continue your education and better yourself, but it’s also a blessing to be able to experience every little detail that college has to offer. Don’t take any of it for granted. It’s great to be able to move forward with your life, but it’s even better when you’re able to look back and see that you did what you had to do while having the time of your life. Live out your college experience with your only real (because you’ll have plenty, I’m sure) regret being that it went by way too fast.