It is hard to believe how quickly college has flown by. Eight semesters sounds like an eternity, but I can assure, it’s a mere blink of an eye. Going into my second and final semester of senior year, I’ve reflected on how many highs and lows, achievements and failures, and memories I’ve made throughout college.

When I graduated high school, I knew college would be a life-changing experience. I knew it would be an experience in which I would grow in my knowledge, maturity, relationships, leadership, values and views. But boy, college changed me for the better in ways I never imagined.

I’ve done so much reflection since this school year began and over the holiday break. With this, I’ve come to a variety of conclusions about my overall college experience and what is to come.

I wouldn’t be here without the support behind me

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you to my professors for the unmatched academic support. Thank you to my friends who let me cry on their shoulder when I found out a family member was sick. Thank you to my friends who made me laugh until my belly hurt. Thank you to Alabama football for being the best. But most of all, thank you to my parents for their utmost support — seriously would not be here without you. Whatsoever.

Partying in college isn’t as much fun as I thought it would be

College is the “time to be alive” – yeah, maybe so, but I’ve realized how much I enjoy spending quality time with my friends over blacked out memories. Or the joy I get out of reading a good book that ISN’T required reading for class. Or hanging out at the Riverwalk in an Enu and getting some sun on a Friday afternoon. I realized in college that I have hobbies and activities that give me joy that aren’t just what is stereotypically expected of me as a college "srat" girl.

That being said, with it being my last semester, I’ll probably still enjoy going out these last few months

I love getting able to indulge in my hobbies with the free time I still have, but I also want to enjoy the few times I have the energy to get dolled up, look good, and go out with my friends. They won’t have Gallette’s in Florida!

I’m still young, dumb and most importantly, broke

21 is young, man. I’ve got a lot of life left to live. I’m not as smart as I think I am, or mature as I think I am, and most certainly, still can’t make monetary decisions the way an adult should.

Speaking of money...

How the hell do I do my taxes?

What you put in, you’ll get out

Freshmen and sophomore year, all I got out of college was some good times on the weekends. I studied abroad after my sophomore year (side note: going to South Africa was the best decision I’ve ever made) and realized I wanted more out of my college experience.

I started working at the Honors College and in the Sales Program at my school.

I joined the Leader’s Council of my sorority.

I joined a mentoring program.

I became editor-in-chief for an Odyssey community.

I applied for Teach For America, and I got it.

Sophomore me to me today = entirely different people, and certainly, for the best.

From all of these, I learned how to lead and manage. I gained those “communication skills” everyone always talks about. I know how to write a professional email. I can stay organized when I have what feels like eight billion tasks set ahead of me (or at least more organized than I once could). I might be ready to take on the real world.

I’m not ready to graduate

The memories I've made, friendships I've made, and experiences I've had make it so hard to move on. I wish college could last forever. These really are the best days of my life.

I can't stinking wait to graduate

If taking new steps and coming to college brought me all of the joy I have, I can't wait to see what the next steps bring me.