Seventeen years.

Since my first day of school.

I can look back  all the way to that day and still remember my navy blue dress, the big grin on my face, and my bright red vest.

It was day one — my first day of first grade. Day one of my education, my journey, my life.

Seventeen years later i’m a graduating senior, with a ring on my finger, on my way to becoming a professional, a home renter, a bill payer, a wife.

I did learn though, throughout those seventeen years that life is more than just checking your  boxes, or crossing your t’s or dotting your i’s.

It’s about passion, compassion, love, and friendship, determination, and motivation, travel, adventure, and not knowing what’s next.

It’s about battling your demons, your fears, and your sorrow, it’s about finding yourself, forgetting about the past, and forgetting about tomorrow.

They say that the only thing constant in life is change and that is the truth.

So the other day I picked up my cap and gown, and as I was alone in my room I couldn’t help but try it on, but as I looked into the mirror I didn’t think about community college, or high school or prom.

I thought about my time here at USG – my friends, teachers, events, organizations, internships,and personal milestones. Amazing how much can be packed into only two years.

It’s a bitter sweet feeling, as I’m standing here facing my own personal tidal wave of change.

Its shadow is hovering over me, and I know that any minute now that wave is going to break.

It’s scary, and it’s dark, and I can’t quite see what’s under water, but instead of standing here I better dive in head first.

Accept the change, ride the wave, and say good bye. I’m ready to close this book, and get started on my new life.