It is hard to believe that my senior year of college is quickly approaching. I look back at the past four years, and think to myself, "Where has the time gone?"

Was my time spent in Addlestone studying for a final that I thought would define me? Was my time spent making lifelong friendships? Was my time spent studying to earn a degree? Or was my time spent worrying about what the future holds? It is hard for me to answer those questions because all of them seem so true.

I remember my freshman year of college like it was yesterday. I was so ready to start this new chapter in my life, and it never dawned on me the challenges that would be put in my way.

After completing a freshman year that was very challenging, I was excited to start my sophomore year with a fresh start. Just like that, my sophomore year came and went and junior year crept up on me as I had to make major decisions, like finalizing my major. Now, I sit here writing this article as a senior in college and part of me trembles at what the future holds.

The future is a scary place for someone like me, who loves to have everything all planned out. I am entering into my senior year as an Early Childhood Education major, and with that comes many challenges.

My mind seems to get wrapped up in thoughts like "what if I am not a good teacher or what if I am terrible at student teaching?"

When my mind wonders like that, it often leaves me paralyzed — fretting for the outcome of my last year of college. Yes, with my last year of college approaching, I have major life decisions ahead of me, but those decisions are something that should not make us fear. The decisions ahead of me should make me excited to start a new chapter in my life. I have so many decisions to make like whether or not to continue my education and get my master's or even what to get my master's in.

Recently, I have read a handful of self-help books that have opened my eyes and given me a new perspective on how to embrace the challenges and decisions that are laid out in front of me. I have learned to embrace every day and be grateful for the opportunities and decisions that I have to make.

I am blessed with the opportunity to further my education and make a lasting impact on young children's lives. I should not look at these decisions with anxiety or fear, but rather with courage, determination, and passion.

So, now is the time to embrace the future and approach it at full speed!

There is a quote that came to my mind as I was writing and I think it is worthy of sharing.

"I don't know what my future holds, but I do know who holds my future" -Tim Tebow