As a senior who's been in college for a while (5 1/2 years, to be exact), I can't help but feel a little nostalgic about entering the final semester of my undergraduate career. I have been attending Gwynedd Mercy University on and off for the entire duration of that time. In this period of growing up, life has gotten in the way many times, and in fact, I would say I've been through more in that time than most people go through in their entire adult lives.

I've lost family members and friends who I thought I would have forever. I've gone on a life-changing trip to serve others, and have had many jobs. Whenever I tell people I'm 24 and feel like an old lady, they always tell me I'm so young and have a whole life ahead of me.

I often wonder if they knew everything that happened in my life, whether or not they would tell me the same thing. I wonder If everything that has happened has only made my family stronger? Or if we are made to continuously be this strong because of all of the other life obstacles we will face in our lives.

Having a family with medical problems since I was 8 has escalated into the looming fear that someone else in my family will end up like my dad did (read my previous article). Only having one more semester left and facing many problems that a lot of college students haven't necessarily faced has prepared me to take on any and all obstacles that life can throw at me.

I've gone through the hard partying phase and the hardworking college student phase, balancing (and letting things slip a little) have made me realize what is important in life and how some behaviors need to be stopped.

As I prepare to graduate in the next couple of months, a lot of things come to mind. Should I move and start fresh in a brand new city? Should I continue my education? How do I save enough to move out of my mom's house and into my own apartment? There are so many factors, things that need to be addressed, and things that I need to figure out.

Knowing how far I've come and all that I have overcome, i know that I can handle anyting else that is thrown at me...and I cant wait to see what it does.