Four years ago, I was starting my last year of high school, eagerly trying to figure out my life and which college I would attend. Life was just a blur of standardized tests, college essays and the Common App. Fast forward a quick three and I'm sitting in my new apartment, four hours away from home, wondering how everything happened so fast. I'm four months away from graduating and I just can't understand how my college career is already coming to a close.
I'll be honest, I had no clue I would end up at UNH. It was on my list, but wasn't my top choice and I hadn't given much thought to it. I actually didn't even look at it until a few weeks before decision day. I instantly fell in love with campus, committed the day after I got home from the visit and couldn't have packed my bags quicker for move in. I was so excited to start a new chapter in my life, meet new people and have my own college experience. I never expected to get as attached as I did.
UNH is genuinely a place I can call home and thinking about graduating and never experiencing another move in day or football game as an undergrad breaks my heart. I remember my older friends telling me how quick it was going to go by, but I just didn't believe them. I made my greatest friends, favorite memories and had so many 'firsts' because of UNH and now I'm midway through my year of 'lasts'. My last homecoming, my last concert, my last move in, my last everything. As excited as I am to enter the real world, it's going to be hard to let go of my life at UNH.
So to all the underclassmen (and especially the freshmen) who are lucky enough to have more time left here, cherish every second. Stay out late on the nights you shouldn't, go to those stupid icebreaker events, snag every burger at the free BBQ and most definitely take a picture on the Wildcat on a night out because soon it's going to be over. And it's a lot sooner than you think, I promise. And you're going to look back and remember all those stupid nights that meant nothing at the time that will mean everything to you one day. You're going to remember the first friend you made in your dorm, and the kid who said hi to you in the dining hall even though you barely knew each other, and all the crazy things you decided to do on a whim and you're going to wish you could do it all over again, because I do.
Coming to UNH was one of the greatest decisions I've made which is why the thought of graduating makes me so nostalgic. Four years will fly by before you even know it, and then you're on to the real world. So while you still have the chance, enjoy everything this incredible place has to offer you.
