So, I’ve done the math. There are 5 months and 28 days until I graduate from Loyola. Such a scary sentence. While this may seem like a large chunk of time to some, to us seniors, it might as well be seconds. Loyola has been my home for the past 3 and a half years. I’m finally getting comfortable. And just like that, it’s time to put on the cap and gown?

Yes, I’m sentimental. But, I’m also a bit panicked. The future is a time for big, life-changing decisions. For some, this means grad school. For others, it’s time to get a job. And then there’s gap years. Teach for America. Traveling abroad.

The possibilities are endless.

So, as we go forward into the unknown abyss that is “the future,” I urge you to do two things (1) create a plan for after graduation — don’t pretend like it isn’t happening. It is, and it’s real. (2) Enjoy the ‘right now’ and be present in this moment. Because before you know it, you’re walking across that stage, diploma in hand.