My whole life, I've been ready to get out of my hometown. I didn't have a good middle or high school experience and I was ready to go on to college, meet new people, and find myself. The first three years, when I left for college, I felt just that. However, when I left for my senior year things felt different.

I had found a church I really loved over the summer.

I would be leaving the kids I work with all summer for the last time.

I wouldn't be returning home to live for an extended period of time anymore. Following graduation, I immediately go into grad school.

I felt kind of nervous, more so than when I moved in as a freshman. That seems so bizarre to me...I felt more nervous than when I was a freshman...when I had no idea how college was going to go or if I'd have any real friends.

Going into senior year brings on a new round of emotions, anyway, because another chapter of life is ending and a new one is beginning. In my case, I was going to finish undergrad and move on to grad school and then to a full-time teaching job.

The conflicting nerves and anxieties I experienced driving away from my hometown this year were an eye-opener, a reality check.

I think the one thing I took away from all this is that it is okay to feel nervous, it's okay to not feel ready. But lean on those around you supporting you on the way. Express those concerns and voice them so you can talk them through and ultimately feel better about everything.

My advice to all upcoming seniors is to embrace all the experiences and make those memories that soon won't be a possibility anymore. Everything changes after college, so take the opportunities now to make it the best you can.