Four years have gone by so quickly. It's hard to believe that I am now a senior, that I will be graduating, that I will have to say goodbye to all that I have come to love and know here at Iowa. My impending graduation still feels like an abstraction, something that I cannot fully grasp and probably won't until the day finally arrives and I stand in front of the mirror in my cap and gown.

Life after graduation is a concept to me. It's something I've been preparing for for four years but it always felt so far away. And yet, as each day passes I come that much closer to being shoved into the real world with nothing but a diploma in my hand and blind hope written all over my face. I do everything I can to prepare for the inevitable day. Researching careers and applying for jobs, narrowing down cities based on where I will have the most opportunity, checking the cost of rent in various cities all over the country. That's the easy part, I think.

Actually leaving, saying goodbye to all I have here, will be the greatest challenge.

How do I prepare for saying goodbye to some of the greatest friends I have ever made? I have become friends with some of the brightest minds and kindest hearts, some of the wittiest comedians and most loyal comrades. My friends here have taught me more than I could have ever imagined, they have expanded my world view and given me experiences that I will always remember. How can I make sure I don't lose touch with the people who have defined who I am today?

How do I prepare for leaving an environment of learning? My classes have enriched me, enlightened me, and allowed me to grow as a person. My professors have been my guides and my allies. They have helped me to be a more socially conscience person, allowed me to develop my passions into possible careers. They have pushed and challenged me beyond my limits and I came out stronger because of it. How do I say goodbye to them? How do I leave the classroom environment behind?

The most important thing I can do is remember what they taught me. I must remember what I learned here, from Professors and classmates alike, from best friends and people I lost touch with after Freshman year. I have grown so much these last few years because of the people who surrounded me. I may not be able to prepare myself to hug my friends goodbye on graduation night, but they have prepared me to be my best self long after graduation. Because of the lessons they taught me, I know I will be okay.