Senior year is that coveted year looked forward to by many. It is the year that you are finally the top dog, the big man on campus. Finally 21 (or older), finally knowing what you want to do in life (or almost have it figured out), finally at the finish line. However, I don’t want to reach that finish line.

At least, not yet.

I still remember the first time I moved to college, the first time my parents left and I sat on my dorm bed, unsure of what to do and where to go next. Four years later, and I am no longer unsure, I have found my place and settled in, happy to see what each day of college brings. I know the best routes to different buildings, I know where the best food is, the best time to go to the gym. I know those things that can only result from years of experience.

Throughout my undergraduate career I have experienced a plethora of opportunities, I would have never been able to have otherwise. I have been able to travel the world, live in foreign countries, meet famous authors and politicians. I have heard the words of the #BlackLivesMatter founders, I have interviewed one of the best sports journalists, I have publicly stood up for others who couldn’t speak for themselves. Everything has been provided to me through my college experience.

So why are we trying to make it go by so fast?

Although the next phase in our lives will be just as exciting, it leaves me with the question, where has our childhood gone? In the next few months, we will be preparing to leave childhood behind and move on to full on adulthood. Are we truly ready for this?

From the time I was little I have always wanted to be an adult. I tried to be older than my age, ready for the next big thing. But it's finally that time where I want to sit back and enjoy where I am at now, and it is all moving too quickly.

Being a senior means the real world is just around the corner. It means having to find a job, settle down in an area far from your friends and family. It means we can no longer go out on a random Tuesday night, or stay up with friends doing the most ridiculous things when you should really be sleeping. We are leaving the creature comforts of our safe little college towns and venturing into a new world.

However, I am excited to step into the real world.

I am excited to see what all is outside of the small bubble we have inhabited for four years. I am ready to meet any challenges head on and be truly independent.

But why does it have to go by so fast?