So this is it. One last year of classes before the “real world” smacks you in the face and you have to find a job or a graduate program. Reality is beginning to set in as summer is coming to an end. Soon enough within a week or two for most classes are starting back up, and a whole new school year is starting back up. We’re all destined to go off into the professional world or maybe even graduate school, but after this year things won’t be the same. Enjoy it now, while you still have time left.

This year you’re going to experience many “lasts,” just like when you experienced your senior year in high school. Last summer that you’re free to hang out with friends and trying to work to save up money for textbooks, food, and gas for the upcoming semester. You’re going to have your last first day of classes. It’ll be your last time to have fun with your friends at soccer games, homecoming weekend, and other sporting events. The last time you have Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks. Sadly, the last few lunch dates, coffee breaks, parties, and late night Taco Bell runs. But there are some other “lasts” that you may not have thought of.

There will be the last few times you contemplate skipping class for a nap. There may be the last couple times you will listen to a professor lecture on for hours and you doze off and daydream at your tiny desk. Luckily, the last time you have to cringe when you buy overpriced textbooks. The last few times you get up early for an athletic practice, and last times you stay up late coming back to campus from a game. Thankfully, the last few times you have to work in group projects too. There will also be those few times you stay up until 2:30 AM trying to cram for a test or final. Soon enough, the days will fly by before you know it, and it’ll be all over. Enjoy it now.

The idea of walking across the stage with your cap and gown is extremely exciting for most, but we’re always too busy thinking of the future to fully enjoy the present. So this year seniors, please enjoy every day. There will be the ups and downs. You may fail a quiz, forget to do your homework, and may oversleep and miss your alarm. On the other hand, you may get an A in that Anatomy class you’re dreading, you may win the championship for your team, and you may have the best time of your life with all of your closest friends. Don’t let the present pass you by.

You’re going to survive it all. The stress, work, tests, internships, homework, cafeteria food, papers, and reckless weekends, you’re going to make it through and thrive. College is going to transform you into the person you’re meant to be, and you’ll find your true calling once it’s all over. So try not to worry and stress too much this last year, you’ll get that hard-earned diploma soon enough.

For now, enjoy the ride with the people that you love. Family and friends will be right beside you through it all. Your parents are just a phone call away. And trust me, they’re all so proud of you because you’ve always succeeded. Enjoy life, because it certainly can be too short, treasure the little moments and hug the ones you love every single day. Be determined and push forward through the ups and downs this year. It’ll all be worth it.