The day has arrived. Feelings of excitement, nerves, and anticipation engulf you. College. Four long years are ahead - years of not only learning to navigate the world around you but yourself, too. You are moving out of home to move in with complete strangers who one day, may just become your best friends. There are so many unknowns on this long journey ahead before the clockwork begins. These are the four final years that shelter us from the mundane routine of a nine-to-five for the rest of our lives. These years consist of spontaneous road trips, all-nighters, morning debriefs, late-night “study” sessions, and the freedom of taking a day just for yourself. There are the casual friendships that are forged in shared classes, formed purely by exchanging a simple hello. There is the discovery of a best friend - all because you shared the familiar feelings towards a mandatory economics class. College: A journey that we anticipated would last four long years, only to find that it flew by. 

Through the experiences of Texas A&M senior Maci Irons, we will explore the four seasons of youth, growth, freedom, and challenges encapsulated by the college experience.

Q: If you could have a do-over, what would you change?

“I wish I would have paid more attention to the small moments. I would take in all the nerves, excitement, laughter, and scary gut-wrenching feelings all that little bit more and not take anything for granted. I think looking back, I did not embrace all the emotions college comes with. I also would have tried to be more open to trying new things from the very start of my freshman year.” 

Q: What is your biggest takeaway from college?

“I think finding friends in college is so important - finding your people to have unique experiences with! Also, to make the most of every opportunity and every day. Take it day by day and appreciate the small moments in this journey.” 

Q: What role have friends played in your college experience

“Friends make life so much sweeter! I literally love the friends I have found here and believe friends truly enhance the college experience.”

Q: What will you miss most about the college experience?

“I will miss the environment! I think college is a time to understand the things you truly care about. It is also a time to learn how to prioritize what is important to you, while still having an open mind to new possibilities. I will miss being able to live with some of my best friends and attend fun events with them, or even just having a cozy night in with them.”

While many may wish the semester away or hope for the neverending exams to finally come to an end, it is vital to realize what you are wishing for. These college experiences are like no other. They are four short years filled with laughter, tears, meaningful relationships, personal growth, and freedom in its purest form. Savor each and every moment before having to endure the somewhat unforgiving obligations of a typical nine-to-five. These last four years will soon become a memory that will continue to linger. 

Written by Lianna Davidson, Photography: Grace Weng, Social Media: Noa Shrikhande