In a rare moment, I find myself in one of my favorite spots on campus. It’s outside, I’m surrounded by nature, and, somehow, have made peace in one of the most chaotic weeks of the school year. As much focus is given to dead week and finals week, we often overlook the crazy, jam-packed weeks leading up to them. I’ve finally figured out that most everyone is in the same place right now: not sleeping, not eating, and crying frequently. By having honest conversations with my favorite, supportive people, I have seen the benefits of supporting each other and realizing that we are not alone in the struggle.

This caused me to appreciate, once again, being surrounded by my friends. After college, I will not be able to drive ten minutes and see so many people who I love on any given day. Semester by semester, we say that we will pause and enjoy more time with our friends later on. Suddenly, much like in lecture when we briefly look away and become lost, we end up on the downhill slide of our academic careers with mountains of stress around us. And then, I wondered how many chances at making memories I have passed up.

See, I’m pretty studious, and I am a planner who sets high standards and goals for myself. The good Lord only knows how many hours I have spent scribbling on notebooks, trying to plan schedules, and seek advice. It seems like every time I have a plan in mind and take action, something goes wrong. I know that it is for the best, because God’s plan is far greater than my own. However, I haven’t mastered the ability of not freaking out when He changes my plans. I’m still convinced that whatever I do needs to be amazing and done wholeheartedly, but I sometimes loose sight of caring this drive into daily interactions with people.

I have recently come to the realization that my undergraduate career is halfway done. I don’t know where the time has gone, but I do know that I want to make the most of the time that I have left here. So, while school and extracurricular commitments will still be a large focus, as they may be for you, I encourage you to take time to be with your friends and truly be present. Find mentors in your professors and utilize them for growth and life preparation. Wake up each day not in dread of the tasks that you must accomplish, but instead with a glad heart, ready to welcome whoever you interact with that day.