It is that time of the semester- finals week. The time that we all wish was here a week into the start of the semester but wish wouldn't be so dreadful when it does approach us. I have been looking forward to this time of the semester for awhile now, especially when my classes started talking about stuff that was WAY over my head (so for about 6 weeks now). But I must say, as much as I wish this semester was over, I am feeling super nostalgic of my memories this school year thus far.

This semester has been a trying one to say the least, but I am so thankful that it was my least trying semester out of the eight other semesters I have gone through. I have lost friendships, met so many new people, I have strengthened bonds, grown closer to my faith, I have learned a lot about myself and grown from it, and I have figured out what direction I am going in as a student and professional (finally). I am not saying it has been an easy semester; mostly mentally, I have struggled more than anything.

One of the things I have struggled with for a long time, especially this semester, was what direction I was going in professionally. It started with finding out that I was graduating a year sooner than anticipated, which then lead to a frenzy of emotions circling around the question "What am I going to do?!" as most students start feeling as they reach this point in the semester of their final year as an undergraduate. So I obsessed over this question and then obsessed some more until I figured it out. I have this feeling I get when I know something isn't right or thoroughly thought out to the point of knowing all of my options. It doesn't sound like it's that bad of a thing to have going on in your head, but let me tell you, it ruins lives- particularly mine and then sometimes my parents' because as soon as I call or text them saying "So, you wanna know what I figured out today?", I can instantly hear that eye roll (and yes, I said hear). But I finally figured it out, at least the direction.

Aside from the mental and emotional struggle I have put myself through personally, I can honestly say that I have had a great semester. I have so many memories from football games, nights out, nights in, best moments spent with my dog (almost all photographically documented), interactions with wonderful professors and classmates- I don't take a single moment of it all for granted. I do a lot of things by myself the majority of the time and even then I try to stay out of my phone when I walk around campus or go to events because I want to embrace the moment and remember the feeling of it all because it is all that I have.

I decided when I was 15 years old that I wanted to make it to my dream school someway, somehow. So here I am, finishing my second semester and first half of my senior year at the University of Mississippi. I will get to be in The Ole Miss class of 2019, I ordered my senior portraits where I was able to wear the cap and gown with the Lyceum emblem, and I have so much to look forward to in the remaining time of my undergraduate career. I truly couldn't be more thankful for my time here.

So to high schoolers, lower classmen college students, and seniors- I hope we all never forget to cherish the moments we have and not let them just be something that happens to us. But instead, I hope we all happen to the moment. Give yourself a way to remember the little things, because we only move up from this point.