This can't be real, can it? Am I really on my last week of classes ever as an undergrad? Do I really have to leave?

The time has come way too quickly, and I can't believe that in two short weeks I'll be a graduate of UNCW. It feels like just last year I was moving into my freshman dorm and suddenly I'm applying for full-time jobs and sending out graduation announcements. Graduation was something I couldn't wait to come during those nights spent writing 20-page research papers or struggling with chemical reactions on my chemistry homework. Now graduation is something I'm almost trying to stop from coming.

While it's a bittersweet feeling knowing that soon UNCW will be my alma mater, the past four years have been nothing short of a blessing. I've met amazing people and lost a few not-so-amazing-needed-to-break-free-from people along the way. I've developed as an individual and figured out who I am. I've lived and loved and adventured and experienced, and I wouldn't have asked for a better college experience.

I want to say thank you, UNCW. Thank you for accepting me as a new student and providing me with the best four years of my life. I can't thank you enough for the quality of professors and academics you have provided me. I've learned more about myself and life from professors than I ever imagined possible. Also, thank you for not having enormous class sizes and allowing myself and other students the opportunity to really work with professors to reach our full potential. Thank you for employing professors that genuinely care about the students and their futures.

As I reflect on my time here, I can't help but think about the atmosphere. One of my favorite things to brag to my family or friends at other schools about is the atmosphere at UNCW. I've never walked to class and not had a stranger pass by and flash a smile. I've never had someone not hold the door for me. I've never not been greeted with a smile and friendliness from faculty or staff, or even other students. Everyone on campus is happy to be here, and it's definitely a campus that encompasses the southern hospitality charm.

(Not to mention the entire campus is absolutely beautiful)

I also reflect on how much I've grown as a person thanks to UNCW. I've learned about accepting others and being mindful. I learned that each person is their own individual and has their own story. I've learned about putting differences to the side and taking a person only for what's on the inside. I've learned how to be a friend, even to strangers, even if just for that moment. I've learned about my strengths and weaknesses, and I've lost and found myself a couple times along the way.

From the quirky school traditions like Oozeball and Wagsgiving to the sea of teal at sporting events, I've had nothing but fun times at UNCW. I've been part of student sections at important sporting events and I've been an extra in a movie filmed on campus. I've waited in line for an hour for a traditional Thanksgiving meal and I've attended four years of beach parties thrown by the university. I've been given permission by professors to skip class for the good surf and I've gone to Belize for class credit on spring break. (Jealous? I know.)

Through it all, the hours spent in class and all the personal successes and failures, I'll never once regret my decision to attend a university five hours away from home. I changed majors freshman year and never once thought about transferring. UNCW has provided me with all I could've ever asked for and more these past four years. UNCW has become home and as I graduate, I will always hold a spot in my heart for my time here.

Thank you, UNCW, for giving me the best four years of my life but it's time this Seahawk spreads her wings and soars to greatness.