Summer is ending and senior year is approaching. I should be prepared to enter the adult world... right? But I am not ready to graduate. Should I be freaking out?

These thoughts crossed my mind last July. My concern was that in order to graduate on time, I would have to stress myself out by piling up all my most difficult classes on top of work and other obligations. I also felt under-qualified for professional school. I had two options: to panic and overload myself, or to accept the fact that I would not be leaving college and to take the time to make myself a better applicant. So I chose the latter and ran with it.

I realized that I wasn't taking a loss; I was taking an opportunity to create a wholesome life for myself. Stress used to consume me because I would say I didn't have enough money, or I didn't have enough time, and this idea overwhelmed me. Then I learned--and actually believed--that a person will have the time or money for anything the feel is a priority. Now I take every chance that comes my way and I have never felt better.

People wonder why I can't stay still. It's because I don't ever want to wake up regretting what I didn't do. Under this mentality I have gone on several trips across and outside the US. I have attained leadership positions on campus, even when I was scared that I was not qualified. I learned again how good it feels to be part of a sports team. I volunteer for causes that I find important to better understand what it is like in someone else's shoes and lend a helping hand. I am not working any less and I am actually taking more classes than ever. After all of this, I still find time to try something new--like becoming a writer.

I might spend more money than I should, and I don't get enough sleep because after a hard day's work I still like to socialize. However I am happy. I am doing the things I love with the people I love, and giving myself incredible memories to look back at. Not to say life is ever going to be perfect, because I make a lot of mistakes, but I truly believe that I am doing the best by appreciating what I have and learning from the rough times.

Now ask yourself: are you getting the most out of your life? If yes, how can you continue to challenge yourself to accomplish more than you ever could. If no, what do you want to change? Push yourself out of your comfort zone little by little until you do what you think is impossible. Once you discover just how much you are capable of, run with it and never look back.