It seems like just yesterday we were the little freshman trying to make our way to class on time, huddled in masses, blocking the sidewalks and having seniors glare at us for our incompetence. Now we are those glaring seniors.

We are officially the oldest group in the school and we need to own it. There isn’t anyone in campus older than us anymore, save for those few who took a fifth year. We are the now the presidents and leaders of campus organizations. Instead of feeling bad for our senior friends freaking out, we are the ones panicking about the job hunt. It’s both terrifying and exhilarating. The decisions we make this year will determine what our legacy will be. Will we leave behind a good impression or a bad one?

Sometimes I wonder how my freshman self would feel about my senior self. My senior year is a lot different than I could I have even envisioned it. For one, I didn’t even know we had a campus newspaper my freshman year and now I am the editor-in-chief of it. It’s funny how different how experiences can change our expectations. I honestly don’t think I would be nearly as happy if I was living the life my freshman self had planned.

Honestly, it feels weird being a senior. It feels like college just flew by and I am really not ready to be an adult. But I am ready to have a kick butt senior year. Senior year is the one year you get to let loose a bit because you’ve already done all the heavy lifting in terms of your classes and clubs and now you get to sit back and enjoy. Use your free time to explore new hobbies and actually try and get your life together. Go to a yoga class or try to start a budget for the first time. Take those positive steps towards adult life because now is the time to take them at your own pace.

To all the rising seniors out there, I challenge you to have a fun year. Don’t worry too much about getting a job or what life after college will be like and simply enjoy this last year of fun. Reflect on how great college has been and what has gotten you to this point in your life. Are you happy? Are you the person you want to be? You have one last year to get college right, so own it. And remember that senior year is your time to shine.