I remember just yesterday, walking into my first college classroom, palms sweating with nervousness. College is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s a whirlwind of emotions and crazy adventures. And here I am ready to strap on my seatbelt as I embark on the ride that will soon be my senior year.

The scariest thing about my senior year is seriously contemplating what I want to do after I graduate. The future is so close yet so far at the same time- but am I ready to face it? Will I make the right choices? What path will I go down? Only time will tell. I just have to make sure I do what’s best for myself. But at the same time, how do I know what’s best for myself? Just the thought alone scares me to no end; like being in a foreign country without a map, phone, or a familiar face to guide me through. Deciding what to do with your future is a complicated decision that we all have to face at some point. It’s just a matter if you’re up for the challenge.

Senior year may be scary, but it can also be exciting. Knowing that you’re only months away from not having to worry about getting to class on time, cramming on all of your assignments, and passing all of your classes. It’s a bittersweet feeling that only comes once, so make the most of it. Another exciting feeling is getting to reunite with friends you haven’t seen over the summer and getting to catch up. Seeing a familiar face can also make you feel at ease if you still feel those first day back to school nerves. But with a great support system around you, the year will hopefully pass with flying colors.

As I’ve grown more accustomed to my campus, it has started to feel like a second home. Even though I don’t live on campus, I’ve spent so much time there that I feel comfortable and safe, just like I do in my own home. But that’s what makes my school special- it may not be the best in the country, but I’ve met so many amazing people in my time here that I wouldn’t have anywhere else. And my school is a place that I’ve felt, since day one, is a place where I can fully be myself and no one will care. That’s one good thing about college- everyone seems to be a lot less judgmental. There was one day when I decided to wear a band tee shirt to school and I honestly felt afraid that someone would recognize who it was and make fun of me for liking a band that has a 99% female fan base. But no one even batted an eyelash. And that’s when it dawned on me- college is one of those places where you are pretty much allowed to wear whatever the hell you want, so why not wear a band tee shirt if it makes me happy? College is a place where I’ve felt more encouraged to express who I really am. And hopefully you have, too. There’s no better feeling than being in a place where you can be yourself and not worry about what others think.

The last thing I’ve loved about college so far is that it allows you to have the ability to test the waters and figure out where your creative abilities can take you. Having the ability to choose most of your classes lets you explore your options and pick ones that will challenge you in ways you never have experienced before. And now that I’m about to be a senior, those challenges will probably only get harder. Regardless of my nerves, however, I am ready to face these challenges head on and leave my senior year out with a bang.