Its here: the final countdown to the end of one chapter and the start of a new one. This chapter is college and the four (or sometimes more) years we have all experienced are coming to a close and wow I am not okay with it. If you are anything like me and my friends then you have not even said the "G" word for the past 200 days as a senior and will continue to not say it until its absolutely necessary. This is the time that you try and squeeze in every last senior bucket item in: streak the quad on Tuesday, bar crawl on Thursday and live in denial of graduation every other day of the week.

Every time someone asks me about post grad plans, I do one of a few things.

1. Smile and say, "Not sure yet, but I am in the midst of interviewing." (even though 9/10 I haven't even heard back from any employers at all) or,

2. Have my heart start palpitating and begin to hyperventilate or,

3. Laugh and hope that the subject changes quickly.

Turns out all three can happen at once sometimes. Regardless, time is speeding faster than I want, looking back I know I have had a good run. From joining my sorority, choosing my major, frolicking every Thursday thru Saturday, and even crying in the library, I wouldn't change these past four years for anything.

Sure, as I look back on these four years I cringe thinking of the outfits I use to wear (biddie skirts) or how at parties I tried to act all cool (even though I was mostly just awkward), I can't help but be thankful for those interesting moments. Especially senior year, I have come to realize that I have gained so much more confidence in myself and in my abilities. Why yes I dance like a maniac in a crowded party, but to be honest that's when I have the most fun. I guess I am the grandma of my friend group sometimes, but you always have to have at least one. And okay I might begin to live vicariously through all the current and incoming freshmen, but show me a senior who doesn't.

These past four years have been more than just getting a degree in order to eventually find a job. These past four years were about finding myself. These next three weeks won't be easy. There will be tears, denial, frustration, and a few margaritas, but knowing that I have learned so much and become the person I am proud to be, makes leaving my university a little less difficult.

Cheers to you and to me and let's actually make it across that stage on graduation day.

"JMU is not just an institution of higher learning, it is a spirit, it is an atmosphere, it is a way of life I am glad to say that I have lived."