There are 24 hours in a day. Seems like enough, right? Any working adult or college student would laugh at that. At the end of the day, I find myself wishing for just a few extra hours to finish up my to-do list, all while keeping the commitments I have made. Between balancing college classes, homework, social events, time with family and friends, work and occasional alone time, I catch myself wishing I had more time to give my all to all parts of my life.

To my family who sees me for only a day or less at a time every few weeks, I miss you and wish I could drop everything to give you all my undivided time and attention. I wish I could sit on the couch for a night of conversation and laughter followed by a home cooked meal — I never thought I'd say that 3 years ago.

To my friends who feel like I've forgotten, you'd be surprised how many times in a day you cross my mind and how many hours I spend finding myself distracted by memories spent with you. I wish I could binge watch Netflix with you for 12 hours, and I wish I was going out with you this weekend. I wish I had more time.

I could go on for hours about not having enough time for in my day, or I could make enough time and thank myself later. I could apologize to every friend and family member in my life for the numerous excuses I could create about not having enough time for them, or I could make time.

Out of the hundreds of valuable lessons I have learned through triumphs and trials in my life, making time for happiness has been nearest to my heart.

Fill your days from sunrise to sunset. Being tired is worth it beyond compare; you'll thank me later. Make breakfast plans when your Grandma asks, have a study date with a friend who just wants to catch up, and stop home for a quick hug and pick me up every chance you get. Go to half price apps after 9 PM on a school night and say yes to every opportunity you can handle. Give your future self-years of memories to look back on with pure joy.

I will forever wish I had more time to spend with the people I love, to perfect my academic work, and to take advantage of alone time, but who am I kidding? I often miss the point that I am lucky to have been given 24 hours as it is. I woke up this morning, and I was blessed with a new day.

Instead of wishing for the time we will never have, we should be living every minute of the time we do. Memories don't happen on their own, and each life deserves to have a story to be told, so make enough time.