This week marks the end of the second year of my Miami University experience. And while I can't wait for one of the most exciting summers of my life, it is still a little bittersweet to have to say goodbye to some of my favorite people, even if just for a little while.

I am halfway through four amazing years, and this rite of passage is one that begins a lot of new milestones: I will be moving off campus, watching some very important people graduate, and turning 21. I'm finally starting to see that transition into grownup-hood (and yes, I know real grownups don't actually say grownup... which is maybe why I'm holding on to this childish title for a little while longer).

Surprisingly, sophomore year was a very difficult one; there were lots of transitions to new (and much better) friends who I know will have my back, navigating the experience of grief while trying to enjoy the fleeting college experience, and beginning the accelerated masters program that has admittedly been more of a learning curve than I expected it to be.

Nevertheless, this year may have been my most important one yet, for exactly all of those reasons.

To the couple people who are graduating and I'm already missing dreadfully, I'm glad I'm not in your shoes yet (I can't imagine wanting to leave this place), but it definitely won't be the same here without you guys.

To the people who became the people I can picture as my lifelong friends, this year would have been really dark without the spontaneous movie nights, the parties, and even the spring breaks! You helped me get through all of the stress and anxiety and made me look forward to what I think will be the next year ever!

I don't think I'll miss the communal showers, the random roommates, or the lack of a dishwasher (yes I am still hung up on hand-washing dishes... I really really hate doing that), and I am really looking forward to all the new chores that come with paying rent, grocery shopping, and any other responsibilities.

Overall, sophomore year has been one of a lot of different changes, but that's what life is all about right? Changes and adapting to every new situation comes with the territory of being a college kid, and I'm starting to actually dig it. Until next year, Miami darling.