Over two years have passed since I was able to call myself a senior, yet not a day goes by where I look back fondly on a memory during that momentous year. It was filled with late nights watching movies or going out with my sisters, early mornings and long days commuting to and from for my internship, and the occasional dinner date with my boyfriend. It was a busy year that even though I look back fondly at, there are a few things I wish I did differently to optimize my time.

So now that there's some space between myself and my senior year, my older and wiser (sort of) self can reflect back on what I did right, and what I could have done differently, for both my personal and professional relationships.

1. Intern

Unfortunately now, the majority of entry-level positions require previous experience. This is where undergrad internships come in. If you're a senior and haven't interned yet, start applying now. If you already interned before - congrats! - get another one.The more experience you show, the better.

While at your internship, show that you want to be there by asking questions and volunteering for extra work. When that internship is over stay in contact with your supervisor. When our summer intern left for school, she sent everyone on our team a personal handwritten note thanking us for her experience and even calling out some of the things she learned. Since she was so eager to learn and grateful for the experience, when the time comes that she needs professional help, we'll be there. Come graduation day, you're going to want to be able to know some professionals that can either help you find a job or give you a recommendation.

2. Partake in mock interviews with your career center or alumni network

I know a few people whose first professional interview was with their dream job, but since they had never interviewed before, they froze or gave an answer that fell flat. Don't let that be you. Sure, everyone gets stage fright once in awhile, but the best way to combat that is to be prepared by practicing. Check in with your career center or reach out to your alumni network so you can participate in a mock interview as well as ask for feedback and tips.

3. Balance your internship/work with college life

Second-semester senior year, I worked two on-campus jobs and interned in the city (over a two-hour commute one way) three days a week. Although I was making money and gaining experience, I was also missing out college time. I couldn't sit and enjoy the green on a sunny afternoon or stop by the student-run concert because I was hard at work. If only I realized I was going to be hard at work for the rest of my life! Everyone's financial and intern requirements are different, but I do wish I interned only two days a week or cut back on a work shift.

4. Cherish those friendships

I know this sounds corny, but it's so true! This will be the last time that you and your friends all live within walking distance from each other, so take advantage of it! Rekindle any friendship that may have been put on the back burner from different classes, living areas, or sororities. You can't get lazy about friendships now, it's just going to get harder when you all graduate.

5. Go out

Act a bit irresponsible. Go out on a Tuesday night, even though you have an 8am the next day. Hate to break it to you, the older you get, the harder it is to recover from a late night out. So do it up now.

6. Study

Yes, senior year is all about having fun, but don't forget that you're paying to go to college and get a degree. This is the final the final stretch, finish strong and with something you can be proud of.

7. Talk to your professors

This means going to class and visiting them during office hours. Most professors had built long, successful career before deciding to go and teach today's youth. Ask them questions about your desired field and pick their brains; professors want to see their students succeed. And if they know what you're looking for post-grad, they may recommend you when they hear a former colleague is hiring.

8. Go to campus events and games

At the beginning of freshman year, I was all about attending football, soccer, and basketball games to support the team (and maybe check out some cute athletes). I would circle any interesting event, seminar, or game on my student programming calendar and go with a handful of friends. As classes got harder and I became more involved in specific organizations, those smaller fun things just slipped my mind. Senior year is a great time to revisit those things. And no matter how bad your sports teams are, you'll definitely miss getting the chance to deck out in your college gear in post-grad life.

9. Think about why you chose this school in the first place

Okay, so I know I just told you to think about your freshman year activities, but now go even further back to senior year of high school. Why did you pick this college, what made it stand out to you when you and your parents took a tour? Was it the crazy football games? How about the state-of-the-art gym? Maybe because of its location on the river? (Hi Marist!) Reflect on the reason why you chose this school and relive those moments. Read your textbook down by the river. Have a picnic with your friends on the green. Wear some full body paint and tailgate your heart out.

You've grown a lot since then, but sometimes it's nice to reflect on how you got here. Good luck on your senior year — make the most of it!