I feel like I have said “this year went by so quickly” close to a million times within the past few weeks, but honestly there are no other words to describe how insanely fast the past twelve months have gone.

I can think back so easily and remember how a year ago I was in New York City with my friends, rehearsing for Shrek, having a severe case of senioritis, and prepping for prom. When I think of all these events, I cannot fathom that they all happened about 365 days ago. I still have pangs of sadness and nostalgia when a memory will pop up on my Facebook feed showing it has been a year since a certain event, such as a picture I took during a musical rehearsal. I loved high school, so when photos of my friends and I pop up it takes me back to a time when I was truly happy.

Not only can I clearly remember the ending of my senior year, I also remember my summer and how incredibly nervous I was to begin my college experience. I remember Streak Week and not knowing what to say to all my new classmates or how I could possibly assimilate to my new life away from home. I also recall my first day of classes as well as how quickly I got into a schedule and began to love my time at John Carroll. I will never forget my first college party, my first college theatrical performance, my first college concert, or any of my other college firsts.

It is currently mid-April and I am thinking back on what an amazing year it has been, but how quickly time goes. I remember as I was growing up I would always wish I could be older, but now that I am 18 years old, I know not to wish away the present. My freshman year of college is almost complete and I know that the next three will go just as fast if not faster than this year.

So, for now, I will just look forward to this upcoming month, last one of my freshman year, and reflect on the great memories I have had in my life thus far!