One day you're picking up your backpack for the very first day of school, with your lunch packed by your mom, and a brand new outfit chosen for this special occasion.

And the next you're walking down the aisle to pick up your diploma and head off to college to start a brand new chapter of life.

And life was just happening.

From the moment we lost our first tooth, fell off our bikes a million times,

broke our first bone, and our many attempts to run away from home.

They were our firsts.

The first time you move out of the house and head of to college, the first time you step into your brand new dorm, or sit in your first class.

But before you know it, they aren't your firsts anymore.

They're your lasts.

Your last time moving into your building on campus, your last time sitting in your classes,

your last time walking down the familiar paths you walked each day.

We get so used to things, and when they become our lasts,

it hits us.

You'll never be this crazy college student again.

You might want to be, but you don't get to be.

Life is around the corner.

There's no more calling mom and dad for money, not saving your money, staying up way too late and being irresponsible.

Adulthood isn't the safety cushion that college was.

And you being thinking, did I do everything I wanted to do?

Did I make the most out of my time?

Because you won't have this type of community again.

And it's terrifying.

Because in many ways you're still just a kid.

A kid who cares way too much about what others think, who's afraid of the unknown, and scared to take initiative at times.

But you have one year.

One last year to make as many memories, as much fun, and as many experiences as you can.

Don't waste it.

Say hi to strangers passing by, make an effort to go to social events, smile at the people in your hallway and learn their names, take road trips with friends, and make new ones.

Don't live with the regret of I should have done this, or I should have said that. Because this is it.

Stay focused and aware, but enjoy yourself, and enjoy this time.

You're not always going to be this age, or in this season.

Look back and think, "wow what a great year."

Because you're not that little kid who just lost their first tooth.

You aren't the pre-teen experiencing the awkwardness of high school for the first time.

And you're not the freshman who just moved out.

You're a senior now, and you're ready for this.

Don't miss the moments, or miss out on the opportunities.

Cherish your friends, and even the random people you pass by.

Because this, this is your year.

Enjoy it.