The time has finally come. After about six years in and out of undergrad (I took a semester off and transferred twice), this May, I'm going to graduate from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Creative Writing.

I don't think it's really sunk in how incredible this is to me. I think it won't really hit me until I'm walking across the stage in my cap and gown, outstretching my hand for my diploma, a big, bashful smile on my face.

Despite the side roads I've gone down, I'm going to have a college degree, and I'm finally going to be able to get a full-time job and begin the next stage of my life as a college graduate.

I don't think I'm scared. Years ago, it did frighten me to think about the future, as uncertain and difficult it seemed at the time. I wasn't sure how much longer I'd be in school and what I would accomplish during the rest of my time in undergrad.

Thanks to the incredible support of my friends, family, and my partner, I've made it through.

And yes, I know I had a part in my own success! I'm just hyperaware of how much more difficult, lonely, and stressful it would have been without having cheerleaders of my own.

These important people believed in me, which gave me the confidence to, for the first time in my life, truly believe in myself. It's an incredible feeling and has been a long time coming. Because of these people, and myself, I feel prepared for my future, wherever it takes me.

I'm ready to take on new responsibilities. I'm ready to make mistakes and learn from them. I'm ready to meet new people, travel to new places, and try new things.

I'm ready to become who I was always meant to be, and I can't wait to see who she is.