I have wanted to be an adult since I was six years old, or so my mom has told me. I used to watch movies about college students, dreaming of the day that I would be out of the house and learning how to “adult.”

However, nothing prepared me for what college was actually going to be like. It is much more difficult than I thought to learn how to manage my time, complete assignments, have varying jobs, learn how to cook, and resolve conflicts.

It has also been the best four years of my life. I had the opportunity to travel the Middle East with a fantastic group of people and learn how to be open-minded and accepting of the world’s cultures.

I have been honored to learn and be mentored by great minds both in and out of classes. I have been and continue to be inspired by some of the strongest women I have ever met.

I will never forget any of the late night food runs, the scrambling to finish assignments, the deep conversations, all of the laughs and tears, and the support and love from our community.

I have no idea what the future holds, and I still am not convinced I have a grip on adulting, but I do know that I would not be here or the person I am today without the relationships I have gained from all of you.

Wherever you are on this crazy, winding roller coaster we call life, I wish you the best of luck and have a piece of advice: try new things; go on that impromptu adventure. It is okay to be uncomfortable, and remember that you are incredible.