Stepping back on campus as a senior is weird. Let’s just put that out there now. It mixes up an array of questions and feelings: disbelief (3 years went by already?), nostalgia (Aw look, it’s the bush I stumbled and fell into the first weekend of freshman year!), appreciation (Has our campus always been this beautiful?), fear (Who the heck is going to hire me?) and, of course, excitement.

Riding around campus this past month on the little Schwinn bike that makes me feel just like a freshman again, all these feelings have come up at one point or another. Every time I’m on campus, I fall in love with my school a little more, wondering how I ever took it all for granted. Maybe it’s the anticipation of having to leave it all behind, maybe its just because I’m starting this year with a more positive attitude, but I feel more appreciative than ever to go to LMU. Senior year is all about loving your school with the same vibrant enthusiasm you did as a freshman, except with more wisdom, maturity, and a lot less junk food at three in the morning (okay, maybe not that much less).

There are so many reasons to cherish your senior year of college, but here are a few reasons why this year is the best one of them all:

You’re Wiser

The life lessons that you learn in college are ones you take with you for the rest of your life. You know what situations are likely to work out and which ones you should probably steer clear of. And should you find yourself in a sticky situation? Most of the time, you’ve been in that situation before, and you’ve learned how to get yourself out of it.

You’re Smarter

We’ve all heard the familiar complaint: “When am I going to use this class in my life?” Well, I’ve found that even the classes that seemed the most pointless at the time have taught me something. That’s the thing about a college degree--you’re not just here to learn about your major. It takes most of us a while to realize this, but every little tidbit of information has led us to be more well-rounded, worldly, and, get this, educated people.

You’re More Confident

We all know this one well, because the same feeling exists as a high school senior. But in college, it’s even better. Confidence used to be about knowing your way around--the ins and outs of campus, knowing all the good spots to hang out, and of course, being confident in yourself. But I have found that now I am not just confident, I’m comfortable. I’m comfortable in my own skin and in doing my own thing, even if it’s not what everyone else is doing. I’m confident in my ability to get things done--dishes, laundry, school assignments, deadlines--that cause stress, because I’m comfortable with them. I know that things will always work out.

You’re a Leader

Being a leader is one of the greatest things about getting older. Whatever you do outside of class, whether it is a sorority/fraternity, sports team, or service organization, you’ve gotten to know that organization pretty well. Some of your best college memories have probably been spent with these people, and being a part of something larger than yourself is one of the most important aspects of growing up. As a senior, even if you do not hold a leadership position, you become a leader on campus. And hopefully, you will embrace it eagerly. I find so much joy in getting to know people in grades younger than me, whether I am answering questions about study abroad, being a board member in my sorority, or spoiling my grand-little and getting to know all of her friends.

Whatever senior year may bring, these are things that will make this year one to remember. You will face many challenges, but celebrate each challenge as another opportunity to grow. This is your last year before entering the “real world”--so ENJOY it. Don’t stress more than you have to- you will find a job. Everything that is meant to happen, will happen.

The best is yet to come.