I remember the beginning of the year like it was just yesterday.

On the morning of Aug. 29, my family and I packed all of my things into our Toyota Tundra and made our way to Erie. (Yes, we needed a truck. I’m a girl with lots of things. What do you expect?) By the time we arrived, I couldn’t contain myself any longer. I practically ran inside Warde, got my key and went to check out my dorm.

After several hours of moving in and setting up, my room was finally done. But my parents weren’t ready to leave yet, so they took me and my roommate to Walmart and Fridays.

Once we got back, we said our goodbyes. And once they pulled out of the parking lot, I was on my own for the first time in my life – my parents were strict, so don’t make fun of me.

Like any other teenager in that situation, I took advantage of my new-found freedom. I went out every weekend, stayed up as late as I could and pretty much did whatever I wanted. It was awesome.

As much as I wish it weren’t true, not all of my decisions were good ones. I guess that’s to be expected, though. I mean, everyone makes mistakes. And if you learn from them, then they aren’t that bad, right?

Anyway, I’m getting off track. What I want to say is that this was months ago, which brings me to my point: time flies by. One minute, I’m doing a service project during Freshman Week, and the next, I’m writing my last article of the year.

You have to cherish every single day. Don’t wish time to go by faster, because you’ll miss out on everything life has to offer.

Sure, I sound mushy and sentimental, but you know I’m right.

We’re in college, and these are supposed to be the best years of our life. So, let’s enjoy ourselves and have fun. Five years from now, it will all be over, and we’ll wish we could go back.