During college, I have experienced three progressive attitudes in relation to this period of my life. The first was: "This. Is. Awesome." The excitement of living on my own, being responsible for myself, the sheer atmosphere of college was exhilarating. That quickly gave way to the stark realization that this is school and it is work. The reality that my life would consist more often of studying and homework than parties and football games was a realization I had no choice but to accept and embrace.

Now, as I am nearing the end of sophomore year, I find myself entering a new stage. Just as I was getting comfortable in my life as a student, I slowly realized that I am halfway toward the end of my college experience. With a sudden sense of panic, I realized that in two years I would have to do something. It was kind of like the jarring recognition in high school that this lifestyle would not last forever.

The difference between the realization four years ago and this one is that this time I must make greater preparations. This is especially frightening for those like myself who will graduate in a major without a prescribed career. As the sophomore year is coming to its close and I am on my way to a new upper division designation, I, like many of us, find myself almost frantically trying to shape plans for after graduation. Whether we plan to go on to postgraduate studies or to pursue a career directly after undergrad, it seems like now is the time to start preparing.

I have found myself, alongside my fellow students, putting a new focus, along with my normal studies and obligations, on shaping my resume. Finding jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities to shape me into attractive potential employees or students: these things consume my mind. Many of us spend free time studying for tests to get into post-grad schools, and place a new importance on our GPAs.

This sudden shift is a reality check that college is really only a path to a greater goal. Although it is stressful and even frightening, it is truly an exciting revelation that everything we are doing now is preparing us for who we plan to be for the rest of our lives. And we are very close!

However, let's not forget that although freshman and sophomore year seemed to fly by, and surely the following years will as well, we do still have time. Our beloved college years are not over, and while we work to prepare for their end, it's important to take a moment every now and then to just breathe it all in. Part of using our remaining time wisely is simply by enjoying the aspects of college lifestyle that don't exist in any other atmosphere.

So let us continue to work hard guys, let us take up opportunities to fulfill our potentials. And then let us also make as many memories as possible during the second half of our journey on this path towards our futures.