Disclaimer: Although this seems like a typical second semester senior reflecting on how great the past four years have been, I’m just a sophomore appreciating all college has to offer.

Four years seems like such a long time until you’re in college. Maybe it’s because we’re drinking into oblivion and writing ten page papers into all hours of the night, but regardless, don’t blink because it’ll be over before we know it. Although we all have different college experiences, there are some things we should all be grateful for throughout our four years.

Thank you for giving me my freedom.

I love you, Mom and Dad, but not having anyone to answer to when I come stumbling in around 4 a.m. feels really great.

Thank you for teaching me what it means to become an "adult."

I never really knew what it meant to be responsible until I had to make sure I had clean clothes, good food (debatable), and a schedule to keep track of all on my own.

Thank you for allowing my first "adult" mistakes to be made with other people doing the same.

Staying up all night binge-watching Netflix instead of studying might not have been my best idea, but knowing my roommate’s doing the same makes me feel a little better.

Thank you for teaching me all about the dangers of procrastination.

After binge drinking for six days, you'll eventually have three tests, six quizzes and a presentation due in two days.

Thank you for making me realize my childhood ambitions might not be my career.

10-year-old me wanted to be a doctor, but after suffering through a few general science classes, I might want to reevaluate my life goals.

Thank you for making it OK not to know my life plan.

Looking forward to what my next meal is usually requires debates with my roommates, let alone where and what I would like to accomplish in the next 10 years.

Thank you for teaching me how to live with a roommate.

I'm so lucky to have someone there for late night talks, relationship advice, and a partner-in-crime whenever we’re together.

Thank you for teaching me about my alcohol tolerance.

Thanks to you I can always hang.

Thank you for allowing my friends to be there when I can't hang.

No matter how brown or blacked out I might be, you always make sure I get home safe...however possible.

Thank you for forcing me to appreciate my mom's cooking.

I'll never complain about anything my mom makes me ever again.

Thank you for influencing me to work as hard as possible.

A 4.0 is no longer a goal but a reality.

Thank you for allowing me to experience a taste of the real world.

I’m not paying bills and renting my own apartment yet, but the opportunities you have given me are making the real world much less intimidating.

Thank you for helping me find "my people."

I never thought I’d meet a group of dysfunctional people who love each other as much as we all do, but you’ve proved me wrong.

Thank you for providing me with memories I’ll never forget.

Seriously though, you couldn’t make these up if you tried.

Thank you for the laughter that brought tears to our eyes, stresses that brought us closer together, and friendships we’ll have for a lifetime.

Those are the things I’ll carry with me forever.