There is always so much going on in this world that it seems difficult to step back and admire the life around you. It’s the little moments that count, though.

We take too many moments for granted, not realizing how quickly they will pass and how much we will miss them. The past few years have consisted of a lot of wonderful moments and I made a lot of memories that I miss. I’ve come to realize dwelling on how much I miss them won’t make them happen again, and now I know how important it is to appreciate every moment.

This is especially important when you’re missing someone. Or something. A little over a year ago, I lost my first dog to cancer when he was only 8 years old.

Looking back, I should have cherished more moments with him, but I didn’t think I would have such a limited amount of time left with him. Thankfully, I can look back at videos and pictures to remember the times I had with him, but those don’t compare to being able to hold him or chase him around the backyard.

Since then, I have taken more time to appreciate the little things. Whenever I come home from college, I try to stop and look around me to appreciate the moment I’m in. Whether it’s getting dinner with my dad, writing a letter to a friend, or walking one of my dogs, I try to soak up every second I can to hold on to it.

Time passes a lot quicker than you’d expect. It seems like I was just starting high school, so timid and worried about what people would think about me. Next thing I know, I’m walking to class down the streets of Milwaukee feeling more confident in myself than ever. I’m sure college will fly by as well.

Each moment counts, whether we realize it or not. I definitely wish I could go back in time to some of my favorite moments of my senior year, but obviously I can’t. So as I continue on my journey through college (and life), I plan to take in the world around me and truly appreciate the people within it. I encourage you to do the same.