It’s such an exciting season with lots of firsts and lasts: last “first day of school,” first time applying to real jobs, last time registering for classes and buying books, first time considering moving out. As I look forward to all the new achievements, situations, and feelings, I have to make sure I fully appreciate what is present. I need to enjoy college while it lasts.

At the same time, I can’t help but show exuberance when people ask about college and I say, “I’m graduating in May!” I’m usually the one making a big fuss over those who are graduating – helping them rejoice in their dwindling days as college students – but now it's my turn to celebrate! I didn’t really feel like a senior last semester, but as January 8^th approached, I began to get serious about life after college. And so all the feels have officially hit me.

I look at the tiny freshmen and see how much I’ve grown over four years. And you know what? I'm so ready to be treated like an adult. I am beyond college at this point. I’ve always been mature for my age, but these last two semesters have been frustrating as I notice the gap in maturity widen. Honestly, sometimes I want to tell my peers to get their lives together and quit complaining about college. But I have to remember that I had four years to find confidence in my schoolwork and that they are still on that journey.

I will miss many things about college, including time to work from home, meeting all kinds of people, and learning about so many interesting topics. But like a toddler outgrowing her baby clothes, I have grown out of college so much that I feel out of place. I need a new challenge: a new workplace, adult responsibilities (rather than being treated like a semi-adult-semi-teenager), and new relationships. I still will accept help where I need it (I know I have much to learn about being an adult), but I’ve been watching the adults in my life closely for the last few years, and I am ready to tackle the future. I know I will make many mistakes along the way. But I also know that work can be rewarding and that risk-taking is necessary for my growth.

In several weeks, I’ll probably regret saying that I’ve got the college rhythm down to a science. And when I have to face bills and loan payments, I’m sure I’ll wish college classes were my only concerns. But I'm ready to move on. And that's a very good thing because it means that I have let college do its job in me. Thanks Roberts Wesleyan!