As I sit here in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, having a great time the weekend before finals week, I can’t help but feel a little guilty for not being at home preparing for my last three days of class. I’m sure this is something many of you can understand as I know there are things you would rather be doing instead of studying as well. My question to you as a fellow college student who takes school very seriously is, “why not?”

On this very road trip with a college buddy, we found ourselves pondering this exact question. The way I see it, memories are some of the most valuable things in life, so although it may not always be the best decision, I will always make my best effort to make memories and go on adventures that will last a lifetime. I know we have all heard that worn out line about college being the best time of your life. There may be some truth behind this simply because college allows most people the opportunity to be adventurous more so than the rest of their lives. With that said, here are a few reasons why I challenge you to seize the day and be adventurous while you are in college and have the opportunity.

The "Real World" is coming fast.

Sure, college can be tough and make you fend for yourself, giving you the illusion that you are already in the real-world of adulthood; however, the truth is that people really have to truly start “adulting” when they graduate college. This is when the opportunities to be adventurous and go on spur-of-the-moment trips wherever you want are few and far between. You simply don’t have the time between your new career, starting a family, or whatever else the adult world may throw your way.

You are surrounded by people that probably want to be adventurous just like you.

I can’t even begin to recall all the amazing memories I have heard in my college classes. Nearly all these memories came from people that were willing to be adventurous and follow their heart where it led them. It doesn’t matter where you go to school or what your major is, I can guarantee that there are people you spend time around every day that would be willing to jump in a vehicle and go on an adventure with you. Some of my greatest friendships have sprouted from these adventures with people whom I knew little about before.

You will make connections you could never have imagined.

Although there are millions of people in the world, the connections I make everywhere I go never cease to amaze me. It truly is a small world out there and the amount of people you are connected to without even knowing it is remarkable. I recently met a guy from Utah while we were both in Wyoming who knew somebody I grew up with in Montana. It is experiences like this that continue to blow my mind and only feed into the need for adventure.

My challenge to you is to take the next person up on their offer when they ask you to go on an adventure that sounds fun to you. Jump into the experience head first and see if you have fun, I think you might be pleasantly surprised.