The Last First Day

Today was my last, first day of school. It was the typical first day of school that I have had dozens of times, but it had a slightly different feeling in the fact that it will be my last first day of school. Fall has always been emblazoned with "back-to-school" sentiments and I will forever associate fall with new clothes, new school supplies, and new experiences. As I was milling about campus before my class, I was taking note of my surroundings. I will only be on campus as a student for 12 more weeks and it made me look at things a little differently. I was noticing the awe-struck freshman on their first day of college, looking half afraid and yet still excited for the monumental occasion taking place in their life. I noticed the blaring school insignia all over campus and felt the pride that comes with the red letter U.

College has been a time in my life full of change, challenges, experiences, upsets, heartache, excitement, love, passion, procrastination, regrets, fulfillment, enjoyment, loneliness, friendship, nervousness, success, stretching, etc. The list could go on and many of these could be said for many times in life, but I feel that these past four years have been the best and worst in so many ways. I would change somethings, but overall I am so grateful for the things I have learned and the road I have traveled. I am who I am today because of my experiences and people I have encountered.

The start of school also signaled the end of summer. Since I had a lengthy three week summer, I would say I made the most of it. I stayed out late, met new people, went on some dates, had a summer romance come and go, a couple get-a-ways to the cabin, spent time with my family, and enjoyed the freedom that is innately tied to summertime. Granted my summer was technically longer than three weeks, I still feel like the past three weeks was one of the best summer's ever! I'm glad I got to share it with so many people, and especially the new people in my life. I am so blessed!