Four years looking back.

Four weeks looking forward.

Four minutes of fame as we walk across the stage.

Four years down the road... what's next?

It's hard to put yourself in the future. Too many unknowns, alongside too many fears.

Any senior knows this feeling in the pit of your stomach. That feeling like you're falling. Reaching out to slow down...but it's too late.

Many thoughts run through your head as you fall endlessly.

Am I going to land safely? Who will catch my fall? Can I make it on my own? Will I stand tall once I get back up?

Seniors, if you don't feel all the above, you should just stop falling and put a pause on graduation.

Use this time to prep yourself for the jump that will define the next chapter in your life.

This feeling of falling didn't hit me until I held the cap and gown in my hands for the first time. Proof that graduation is upon us.

No more late nights studying until 3 a.m. No more runs through campus. No more dance parties in the middle of Fountain Mall.

Life will continue on around us once we leave this place, but where will we be?

Who will I be without this place? This place I call home. A place where I invested every part of my being for the past four years.

The thought of leaving you, Baylor, brings me heartache. What will fill my next four? Something greater is out there, but I just haven't found it yet. However, nothing can replace you.

There is no greater gift than the gift you have given me.

An education. Friendship. Adventure. Memories to last a lifetime.

Baylor, you have given me such a strong foundation that I know that when I'm ready to conquer the world, I will do it will grace. I will do it knowing you have given me everything to achieve success out in the real world.

Seniors, as our time closes in on us, reflect on the last four years. Did you give it your all? Did you be the best you could be?

If not, you only have so much time to make up for it. Leave this place with no regrets. No lingering thoughts of "what if?"

This is YOUR time. Do it now.

Why not put yourself out there? You have nothing to lose.

Fix the friendship that fell through the cracks. Make the trip to the suspension bridge to go tortilla tossing. Take photos in judge Baylor's lap, and lead a crowd of passersby in a Sic 'em!

This time in our lives, we are ending one chapter and starting anew.

We are preparing for what's yet to come. We can't be afraid to fall. We can't help but fail, so do it with the strength and courage to carry on.

3...

2...

1.

You're on the ground now.