As I enter into my last year of college, I can help but to reminisce on all my years of schooling. Today I realized that I haven't lived a single year in my life without going to school. I have spent so many years in classrooms and surrounded by my classmates/peers, but I've never felt completely comfortable.

I'm sure you've heard people described as having "peaked" in high school or college, and to be honest, that is a big fear of mine. Thankfully, to my knowledge, I've not yet "peaked", which I interpret as meaning endless possibilities.

High school wasn't something I chose to participate in; it was a required part of growing up. So, why did everyone try to make it such a big deal? Sure, I enjoyed aspects of it and did my best while there, but you couldn't pay me to relive it.

Then there is the next step: college. Fine, this I chose. But, there was already an expectation to go and to do well.

I've never viewed myself as an outgoing person in the social sense of the word, which makes all relationships and friendships that much more difficult. I'm now a senior in college, but I still haven't formed those obvious long-term connections in the past 3 years, seemingly unlike most other students.

I love my college and I am a proud Wolverine of Michigan, but I don't actually bleed maize and blue.

I've always enjoyed academics, or at the very least decided that was where I would place my identity in those years, but my schooling is just an experience that is meant to prepare me for bigger and better things.

If I had "peaked" by now, then what would be the point of my future?

With this in mind, I'm starting my final year of being a student (hopefully) optimistic and excited. I'm sure there will be times when I will feel nostalgic, but overall, I see the end of my academic career as just the beginning of my professional career, and in general, life.

I don't mean to scare or worry any underclassmen or prospective college students. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed being a student and having the college experience. I just know that on a personal level, it won't singularly bring me the satisfaction and comfort I want. But I'm sure it will help me get that satisfaction later in life.

I don't want to look back on those day/years and miss them. I want to look back and appreciate that they helped me get to where I am now, and where I will be later in my life.

So, I thank God I didn't "peak" in high school or college.

I never used to imagine what my future would be like; no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't picture it. But now, I'm starting to see pieces falling into place, and how my years of experiences and schooling have prepared me to be my best later, rather than sooner.

There is a reason I have felt a separation and distance between myself and my social/academic environments. I didn't belong, in the sense that I had more potential and opportunity waiting for me outside of them.

And, maybe you can relate to some of these things, or perhaps not. But, either way, know that you can define your own potential. Even if you think you might've already "peaked," it's not necessarily the end.