You're in the home stretch. There is finally light at the end of the tunnel. One final year. One more year of cramming for finals, writing papers that you had weeks to work on but you binge-watched Netflix for those few weeks instead. One more year before you hold a piece of fancy paper that says “Hey, you graduated college!” The idea of graduating is overwhelming at times, but you have earned it.

For many, the traditional four years and a degree did not happen. For many, it might have taken five, six, seven plus years to complete college. This could be for a number of reasons, but life happens. You should not feel like a failure for taking longer than some to finish. The mere notion that you finished is a feat that many will not have the opportunity to achieve. You have been quite lucky to be able to go to college; even later on when you start questioning if it was worth it once the student loan bills start coming. Remember how lucky you were to have the chance to go and finish college. No matter if you finished your degree in four years or 40, you should be proud of yourself.

You should be proud of yourself for every long night and early morning you sacrificed sleep for education. You have spent countless hours reading and working on projects for school. You gave up a social life for Friday night study sessions. You have given up summer breaks in exchange for classes. Some have balanced work with school; some have balanced work, school and taking care of a family. Then there are some that have faced every challenge and triumph in college on their own. However, you all did it. That alone has earned you that moment walking across the stage after they call your name and receive that piece of paper.

To say that once you graduate and are in the real world is not scary would be a lie. To be honest, post-college seems scary as hell at times. We have grown to love our campuses, our peers, our professors (yes, even that one that could have bumped your B to an A and did not). We have spent days, months and years calling our soon-to-be alma mater home. So, it is expected to be sad to leave home.

However, you came to campus with a purpose. You are going to impact the world and college helped you prepare for that. You have learned so much, even if it feels like nothing has retained in your brain (it has). These past few years have made you a stronger person, a more confident person. You may not feel like it at times, but you have grown so much since freshman year. So, enjoy this final year. Enjoy every moment you can because these memories will last you the rest of your life. Try not to get so wrapped up in the sight of bolting out those doors for the last time that you forget to embrace the beauty and culture of your campus. You have earned it.