22 years.

It's that time of year again.  Or is it?  For the past 22 years of my life it has been the time of year when I began getting excited and preparing for school (yes I was that kid that liked school).  Now 22 years might seem like a bit much, but seeing as how the American school system has you attend school for 13 years (K-12), then college was an additional 4 (we're at 17), and a lot of kids attend preschool prior to that all beginning...  most kids however don't attend preschool for the entire first 5 years of their life!  (My Mom worked at the preschool).  Thus for the first time in 22 years I am NOT getting ready to go to school. 

This brings an array of emotions.  When it was the high school to college transition, you're sad it's over but so excited for the new experience.  Now that it's college over, I'm simply stuck on sad.  I have no regrets about college as I had a blast, but I would do it all over!  I'd change up some things.  (Not the school of course:) ) 

So as this "I'm sad to have to no real clearly defined plan for the fall as I have for the previous 22 years of my life" entry starts to turn into a ramble, I'll leave it with some thoughts/suggestions...

- For h.s. actually enjoy it, but don't take it seriously.  It's only a small part of your life, and there is SO much more outside those walls that you fail to recognize while you're there.
- College is only four years (for most), so enjoy every aspect.  Go to classes that are hard.  Take random classes on odd topics.  Talk to people. 
- TAKE OFF YOUR IPOD ON THE BUS/WHEN WALKING AROUND CAMPUS.  How can you enjoy people, your surroundings, if you're stuck in your own little world.
- Join clubs and get involved.  Sounds cliche, but that's how you try new things and meet people.  Don't just stick with the same stuff each year, try something new.  (this is the one I would change up!)
-Road trip.  Go nowhere important, just go!
- Have no regrets.  Life is what you make of it.  At the time you're making decisions on going out, dating whom, what classes to take, you're making the decision that you feel is best for you then.  So have no regrets just live it up in everything you do!

*For now I'll try to stay off my college soap box.  No doubt, I'm sad not to be heading back to Happy Valley and starting classes tomorrow!  BUT I know I'll find something eventually, and until then, that same bed I had at home for the past 22 years of school will be waiting for me each night.