This last month has been papers, reading, creating and generally just trying to get by.  All I’ve been able to think about is graduation and how I’m going to get there.  It’s been almost surreal, really.  Now that I’m less than a week away, I guess I’m being thoughtful about it even more.

Four years ago when I was in the same position, I was just ready to get out.  All I wanted was to get as far away from the school and town I was leaving behind and never look back.  I didn’t have many friends, and I don’t talk to anyone I graduated with.  We weren’t friends then, why would we be now?

But this is different.  In my four years at SHU, I’ve had amazing friends.  I’ve had a really solid education, and I’ve created memories that will last a lifetime.  There have been so many laughs, hugs, and tears, and I’m going to miss the people I share those memories with deeply.

For the first time in ages, I’m truly happy.  I’m moving to Columbus.  I’m starting a new adventure.  I’m with the most amazing person I’ve ever known.  It’s going to be weird when I’m not starting classes in the fall, but I’m hoping to be doing bigger and better things with my life by then.  I’m ready to move on and start new.  I’m ready to be a real adult.

Part of me still can’t believe college is coming to an end.  The other part of me is so glad to leave it behind.  There are so many people I need to thank for making these some of the best years of my life, but if I were to thank them all individually,  this post would be miles long.  Instead, I’ll make this as simple as possible:

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Thank you to the lovely J.O.  You’ve been there the longest and I’m going to miss you so, so much.  Thank you for always believing in me and being there no matter how crazy I drove you.  You’re going so, so far.

To J.K.  I never realized while watching Rent freshman year that we would end up being the friends we are.  I can’t wait to see your name in big, bold print some day.

The Original Four.  You guys are all so talented and so, so smart.  I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures.  You’re all going to be huge, I know it.  If not, there’s something so wrong with the world.

To C.B.  Thanks for being the big brother I never had.  Don’t worry — I’m still going to be around to call you a jagoff.

To my family.  I can never thank you for all the love, support, and help you’ve provided for me over the last 22 1/2 years.  I couldn’t ask for a better family.  I’m so lucky to have you.

And, finally, to J.D.  You’ve been so, so wonderful to me and I’m so thankful that you’re mine.  Thank you for putting up with my paranoia over school and my sometimes slightly skewed priorities.  As soon as this week’s over, I can finally unwind and you can see the me that isn’t wound up like a guitar string again.  Thank you for always being there for me and supporting me.  Thank you for loving me no matter what.  This next week can’t go fast enough.

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Now, a word of advice for the underclassmen who may or may not be reading this:

Hold on to every memory you can and savor each moment.  This sounds so cliche, but time really does fly the closer you get to graduation.  It’ll be here before you know it.  It’s tempting to wish it away, but enjoy being with your friends and adopted families while you can.  It goes by in a blink of an eye.

Thank you to everyone who’s been there for me over the last four years.  I’m so, so grateful for everything you’ve done. I’ll never forget the relationships with people that I’ve forged at SHU.  I promise to “Hazard Yet Forward.”

And, if you need any other adulthood advice, go ask Hank Green.