Imagining myself as a senior in college when I was a freshman three years ago seemed almost impossible.

Because when my little, naive, freshmen-self came here as an 18-year-old, I never envisioned or expected the things that would be set before me through the different seasons that being a college student would have to offer.

They don't tell you how hard it is--to be able to find and keep quality friends, to get involved in things that push you to be a better person, to resist the temptations that are so common amongst different lifestyles, to make the decisions that will determine how the rest of your life will turn out, to be able to cope with your mistakes and move on from who you were.

I could keep going, but I think you get the point: that I wasn't ready for the way my life would change.

Don't get me wrong.

Yes, you'll face challenges that will test you and will make you think you won't get through, but you'll become and learn so many things about yourself, people, and the world you wouldn't have otherwise.

So here I am as a senior, so very familiar with the place that has given and taught me so much along the way but on the brink of becoming a full-fledged, whirlwind of an adult who must move away soon and accomplish the things I've always been set out for.

If I'm honest, it's a good feeling--to be able to see an end to what I've been working towards for four years and know that all of the experiences have prepared me for this very moment.

The moment where all of the hard work, things lost & things gained, come together when that diploma is laid in my hands.

But it's also an unnerving feeling because it makes me question whether or not I'll be able to carry all of the joy and courage I've developed into the next stage of life, whatever that may be.

I'm anxious about the timing of all the things I want to accomplish in the next stage. I'm worried that I'll miss a lot of the people I've come to know along the way. I'm afraid that I'll become stuck, bored, and won't be able to move forward.

I believe that these are all common fears that every senior in college has at some point, but I'm learning to trust my instincts, abilities, and rest in the fact that I have come extremely far from that 18-year-old sitting on that dorm room bed watching my parents drive away with tears in my eyes and fear in my heart that I wouldn't thrive in this place.

The familiarity, experiences, and relationships I've gained at Auburn University have given me a sense of confidence in my abilities, the openness to give new things a chance, and challenge myself to strive above and beyond what my past self would've ever allowed.

So it's safe to say that senior year is a time to be patient with where you are and the steps you are taking to get where you want to be.

Because if you're persistent, the timing of things won't stop you.