As summer is coming to an end, and I am preparing to start my last year of college at the University of West Georgia, I begin to think about all of the things I want to accomplish this year. It is very bitter sweet for me to be starting my last year of college. I am definitely ready to graduate, but at the same time I am going to miss everything about the college experience. Since this will be my last year, I have a few things that I want to make sure I accomplish to ensure I leave with no regrets.

I want to continue making life-long friendships.

Throughout these past three years, I have come across some very dear friends. From having long hours of studying, playing trivia at the local pub, or playing every sport in intramural sports, they have been there through the fun times as well as the difficult times. Sure I have made friends throughout life, but these friends I have met in college are different. I found people who truly understand me for me. I did not have to impress them with my fancy clothes or house because they saw me at my worse and still chose to be my friend. Those are the friends who you need to surround yourself with, and I hope to continue making more friends like them throughout my last year.

I want to push myself to my fullest potential.

I have always been involved in something on campus these past few years, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. But this year I want to push myself to do more.I want to get involved in just about everything I possibly can because I do not want to miss a thing. I want to join new clubs, take on extra hours at my job on campus so I can get to know my coworkers better, hang out with friends every chance I get, and most importantly, make the best grades I have ever made in college. It’s my last year to do any of this, so why not make it count?

I want to get to know my professors better.

I have always been the girl that sat in the back of the classroom and seldom asked questions. I would show up to class (most of the time), take notes and leave the minute it was over. I never asked a questions about something I was unclear on, I just prayed that I could find it somewhere on Google. But honestly, I was missing out on getting to know my best study tool. Professors are actually pretty cool people, and they know more about your area of study than anything else, so why not ask them? They are one of the best resources I could have in college. They went to college just like I did, and they also have been through graduate school, job searches, and so much more. I want to get personal insight, and find out the best way to succeed in my area of study.

I want to leave college knowing that it was the best that I could make it.

College is difficult. It’s hard to maintain a job, social life, good grades, and also some free time to have for yourself. Sometimes I worry that I will not be able to accomplish everything I have set out to do. But this year I will make sure that is not the case. I will accomplish everything and keep a balanced life. And when I walk across that stage come April, I will have no regrets and I will be as proud as I possibly can to receive that diploma and know that I made my college experience the best that it could be.