Well, it's finally here. The year we were told that would come so fast when we were graduating high school, but we never believed it actually would. All of the long hours in the library typing hundreds of pages for professors who we may or may not have loved are about to pay off. "Adulting," my fellow class of 2017, is coming up in our rear view mirrors, and it's surely closer than it appears. So, who better to sympathize with our plights than the Queen "Bey" herself? She exudes just the confidence we need to get through these next two semesters in style and be on our way to adulthood, and it's safe to say, "we gon' SLAY."

1. You realize that this time next year, you'll either be applying for jobs or by some miracle, have a position available to you.

This may come as a shock, or as an exciting idea. Either way, preparing for this lifestyle shift will help you bear becoming an adult one step at a time.

2. You start off the year with a more carefree, relaxed attitude.

Even though some of the courses during senior year are extremely important (seminars, student teaching, internships, etc.), it's inevitable that "senioritis" may cause you to take a spontaneous trip to the beach the day before an exam, and it's okay. How much longer can you say you live a mile from the beach anyway?

3. You become more sentimental.

Realizing that this year marks many "lasts" definitely makes it okay to get a little choked up when you order your usual at Java City.

4. You find yourself enjoying being at the top of the totem pole.

Knowing you don't look like a lost freshman on the first day of classes is a great confidence booster -- relish in it. Just make sure to feed your good karma by helping the doe-eyed newbies in need.

5. Your friends become extremely important to you.

Senior year may be one of the last times that all of your friends acquired over the last four years are in the same place with (relatively) similar schedules. Making sure you create memories that will last until your class reunion is a must.

6. You daydream about graduation to get through tough classes.

Chords, gowns, Pinterest designed caps...what more could you ask for?

7. You let things roll off your shoulders more easily.

Sassy professor who thinks a C+ is an average grade? We only have a little bit of time left, so let's not dwell on the negative.

8. You have to fight off "senioritis" like the plague.

It's all about balance. Make this year one for the books, but don't let your GPA haunt you in interviews to come.

9. It occurs to you that you will soon be a part of the functioning world (and by functioning, I mean more than being at your 8:30 by 8:29).

With great power comes great responsibility -- rising and grinding now will pay off post-graduation.

10. You think more and more about the things you hope to accomplish after May 10.

Remember when we applied for graduation forever ago? Well, now it's almost time to put our degrees to use...and change the world for the better!

11. You realize the impact that every class you've taken at Monmouth has made on you.

Whether it was your favorite class or just a "gen ed," every class we have taken throughout college has formed us into the graduates we are about to become. We are now a product of an amazing school, and are ready to face the world as fiercely independent and scholarly individuals. Here's to a great year!