Reality is setting in. The end is right around the corner. As I sit down to write my last column to ever be featured in the Merciad, it is difficult to come up with the right words to say and the right message to leave.

As a journalist, I was taught to choose my words wisely. I am actually struggling to find the words to say goodbye to something that has become such a huge part of me.

I am forced to look over the topics I have covered through my column. Obviously there are some articles that mean more to me than others, but the overall feeling about my writing experience is the same. I shared my life with people and people were willing to read.

Instead of sharing any more anecdotes with you, I want to give you some advice. Take it or leave it.

• Go to at least one SAC event on the weekend during your four years. Whether it is kickball or Legends of the Hidden Temple, there is a good chance you are going to have a blast.

• Utilize the inflatables during Springfest.

• A good roommate is invaluable. If you can find someone you can handle on an everyday basis and someone who will put up with you—never let them go. Make sure you fully appreciate the person you live with and always stay loyal to them. My roommate is now my best friend and will be around for the rest of my life—I don’t know what I would do without her.

• Check the chicken in the cafeteria before you eat it. Actually, check all the food you eat on campus before you eat it.

• Speak up and speak out. One of the best things about this place is that people tend to want to hear you and to make your experience better if possible.

• Thank the people who have helped you. Although college is supposed to be the best time of your life, it can be confusing, frustrating and sometimes unbearable. It is during those times you find out who your best relationships are with. Always thank those people for just being there.

• Go out on weeknights – but not every weeknight.

• Study hard and take your classes seriously. It is the primary reason why you are here. But find a good balance between work and play.

• Call home.

• Take in every second because it will be over before you know it and you will never get this time back.

• There is so much more I want to share with you. Like I said, it is hard to share my entire experience in 450 words. The rest you can figure out for yourself.

Thank you to anyone who has read or followed my articles. Thank you for accepting me and my opinions.

I want to congratulate my fellow classmates who will be walking across that stage with me in a few weeks. We finally made it. The world is ours. Go out and be the person you have worked so hard to be, and like my mom has told me every Friday for four years…have fun, be safe and don’t do anything stupid. Or if you are going to do something stupid, don’t get caught.