Where has the time gone? You know the concept of indefinite continuous progress that we cannot quite wrap our minds around. One day you are five years old with a dream of becoming the world’s greatest rock star and then the next, you are out of college and starting up a life of your own. We, as humans, have a hard time grasping where the time went and how time flies by. I am still amazed at the incredible idea that time even exists. However, there are moments that I believe that time is just a made up thing to explain why everything keeps moving. I find myself asking all these questions about time and space but know that my mind will never be able to figure out the truth and meaning of it all.

I find myself asking this question more than others: where has the time gone? I haven’t lived long enough to truly ask where the time has gone, however, being a second-year college student, I find myself faced with this question often enough.

Where has the time gone?

Yesterday, I was swimming in my backyard pool having a play date with my best friend before our kindergarten graduation. We laughed and splashed around without any recognition that time was flying by.

Where has the time gone?

Yesterday, I was laughing sitting at the Starbucks around the corner where I had just met my new best friend. We didn’t know it, but we would continue this friendship for years to come not comprehending that time was flying by.

Where has the time gone?

Yesterday, I was learning how to drive and I got my driver’s license because I turned sixteen. I loved traffic and driving all around; not knowing how much I would dread the Chicago rush hour only a few years later.

Where has the time gone?

Yesterday, I walked down the aisle to the stage where I would receive my high school diploma. Feeling so accomplished, I ignored the nostalgia that would pop up once in a while that would remind me of how sweet it feels to be a part of such an amazing community.

Where has the time gone?

Yesterday, I danced and sang along to Kenny Chesney at Soldier Field with my four best friends. We abandoned the thought that we would go our separate ways and build a life of our own at college that upcoming fall.

Where has the time gone?

Yesterday, I moved into my first dorm room and met my first roommate. Not expecting the loneliness and homesickness I would soon engage in less than a week later. I didn’t expect to say the last goodbye to some of the most important people in my life.

Where has the time gone?

Yesterday, I started my first waitressing job. In awe and eagerness, I would soon forget about the friends and coworkers I would be leaving when I returned to school.

Where has the time gone?

Yesterday, I cleaned my room and tried to avoid the fact that all my friends had moved on. And as I packed for my next adventure that was yet to come, I asked myself, “Where has the time gone?”

Where has the time gone? That question has led me to this moment here. Reminiscing about the past. However, I saw a quote earlier today that someone had posted. It said something along the lines of stop reading too much into this chapter or the past chapters because the excitement is yet to come. Once you end one chapter, you have an opportunity to turn the page and start a fresh new chapter. That still will not answer my question of “where has the time gone?” but give me more events to allow me to continue to ask this question. However, instead of asking this question, we should find ourselves living, not reminiscing about the past. Live your life, so when you look back on this question, you can say that the time was well spent. I know mine was and continues to be well spent.