Life as you know it is coming to a screeching halt in about two months.

You did it.

You got the admissions letter, you walked across the stage, you turned the tassel.

You're done!

Everything in you is rushing toward the next step. All you can think about is where you're headed in the fall. You're so close to so much freedom, a whole new life, and all the wonderful things college brings.

This summer already feels different. All of your friends are chatting away in their new college GroupMe's. You and your mom have made 9 trips to target (this week) picking out the perfect pillows for a new bed hundreds of miles away from the one you've slept in for 18 years. You're working two jobs (plus babysitting) trying to save up the cash you need to make it through first semester.

For a second, just slow down.

Take it all in. This summer already feels different, but the summer a year from now will feel nothing like one you've had before. Your college best friends will fly back to their hometowns, possibly hours away from you, for what will seem like the longest three months without them. You and your friends from high school will all be busy. It will seem like there's never a time to all get together. Some will work at camp, some will have internships, some will stay in their college towns, and some will be back to working their two jobs (plus babysitting). You won't all end school at the same time, and some of you will go back much earlier than others in the fall.

It will just be different.

So, today when you head to the pool with your girl gang, or load up the boat for a day at the lake, make sure you're present in the moment. Take pictures in your mind of these moments you'll miss so dearly. Hug your best friend a little closer, and laugh a little louder.

Make every day of the next 2 months count, because this is the end of summer as you know it.