Not too long ago, I was sitting in my room, drowning in the amount of work that I had to put in. Here I was, applying to the many colleges I had a high interest in. Once the application process was over, all there was left to do was wait until the final day of acceptance. During this time, high school became a blur and what mattered was the time I had left with all my friends. The little bit of time remaining before we went off in different directions. Finally, after months of waiting, I heard back from the schools of my choice on whether or not they wanted to grant me admission into their university.

With an abundance of joy and excitement, I accepted my admission to the University of Central Florida. At this time I had no idea what the next four years would be like. All I knew was that the wait to get started was painful. After the many graduation parties, the graduation ceremonies, and goodbyes I headed to Orlando, Florida with a huge mix of emotions.

Starting school in the summer was the time of adjustment. It was where I got to learn the campus and environment surrounding me. By the time I understood the "norm" for students, I was already packing up my dorm room and heading home for the break until fall semester started.

Now fast forward a year later, I am a second semester sophomore in college. The term "freshmeat" is no longer relevant being that I have now seen the university in full swing. Not being a first-year college student didn't hit me until this past semester when I had a realization of how fast time has gone.

Seeing my younger family friends and students from my alma mater applying and getting into colleges is mind-boggling. All I can think to myself is, how is it possible that two years ago I was in that same position? Because let me tell you, sitting down in my room stressed out of my mind feels like yesterday.

So for all of the people counting down the days till they start their first day of college, just remember that each day is a day that you can not take back. Whatever you do, make the best of the four years you have. Don't take things for granted. Study hard. Meet awesome people. Party whenever you can. And be a part of what interests you. Because in four years, that opportunity to go out on a random Tuesday night or joining random clubs and organizations, will be a thing of the past and the real world will be waiting for you.

This reality that we college students face can be heart-wrenching and difficult to comprehend. But, in the long run, looking back on these four years will be amongst your best memories. Just let yourself explore what your university has to offer and you will have no regrets.