I was packing my backpack this late afternoon, gearing up for a long night of thesis writing. As I walked in to my bedroom, the glint of the sunset caught my attention from the corner of my eye, piercing through the shades of my apartment window. I couldn’t help but compare its reminiscent resemblence upon those same sunsets I would watch as I’d head to swim practice in high school during those late spring time afternoons.

I sat, perched upon the edge of my bed, and could hardly believe how quickly college was coming to an end. I never thought I’d feel this sentimental towards the bonds of made – the love/hate relationships I’ve had the privilege of developing over the course of two and -what is now- almost 2/3 years. Only yesterday were we stalking each other on Facebook and sneaking alcohol through the halls of our residential halls.

Leaving high school, I could hardly believe what the next chapter of my life was going to be like. We would say that we were off to the “real world.” We couldn’t have been any more wrong. The last two years have been a dream – a whistful break from the realities of life. And its all coming to an end at an alarming rate.

I’ve found myself in this place before, fighting so urgently to hold on to what I’ve got now. But I couldn’t be more ready for the next chapter of my life. My father tells me that its in our blood, that motivation to keep moving forward and that disposition of impatience.

Three years ago this time, I found myself driving home from swim practice. I drove by my Junior high school and my elementary school. I drove by every place contributing to my development. Its a bit more intimidating this time around.