As four and a half years draw to an epic conclusion, I'm rounding the corner to my final semester of higher education, ready to slide out on top of the world.

Faced with my new, unfamiliar challenge of acclimating my post-graduate self to the ways of the real, grown-up world, I thought now, more than ever, would be an opportune time to reflect on my four years in undergrad, and valuable life lessons I've learned throughout them. What better way to exemplify what I've learned then and now than through some carefully-placed looping internet images.

*****

Freshman year came with a whirlwind of beautiful emotion. As I first walked the campus, eager to move into the freshman dorms, I was struck by wonder at the majesty of what was yet to come at such a liberating place of learning - yet, at the same time, I was far too nervous to let anyone on campus (who could potentially beat my ass) know how ecstatic I was.

... And as senior year draws slowly to an end, I have developed a whole new feeling towards the beginning of classes - more specifically, all the lanyard-wielding goobers that make up the freshman class, and their obnoxious spirit and excitement.

As I had started freshman year unfamiliar with the majesty of the all-you-can-eat paradise that was, and is, campus dining halls, my first year began with blatant overeating.

And ended with shameful overeating.

Which seems ironic, considering as senior year rolls around, there's absolutely nothing shameful about my overeating anymore.

Nightlife, on the other hand, has certainly changed for the worse. Freshman year seemed like one giant party. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and that occasional weekday were filled with nothing but drunken mishaps and adventures.

Nowadays, I'm good to make it out even one night of the weekend - even then, it's not a pretty sight as soon as morning rolls around. What was once a part of daily life mere years ago now completely destroys the following day's productivity.

Class, on the other hand, has certainly changed for the better. Freshman year, stops at the campus bookstore were an absolute must. Yet attentiveness in class was altogether nonexistent - with the sole exception of classes that actually required attendance.

That was... until exam week came along.

I can say, thankfully, as senior year has come around, only the most essential books are purchased, easing stress on the wallet, and... class participation is on the road to recovery. Until I catch a glimpse of my overall GPA.

And student loan statement.

Nevertheless, here I am, as happy and healthy as ever! On the teetering edge of reality, and armed with knowledge of how to tackle it!

...Or at least to skirt by in my lectures with the least amount of effort imaginable. As for any of you worried about what comes at the end of your years with that cap and gown, just know that at the end of the day: