When I was younger everyone would tell me that college would be the fastest four years of my life and that the years only go by faster as you get older.

Well, I wish I took those words more seriously.

I remember my high school graduation from Northfield Mount Hermon, a small boarding school in Western Massachusetts, as if it was yesterday.

I can tell you what I was wearing, who I sat next to and naturally, what I did to celebrate.

But sitting here, less than two weeks away from my college graduation, I am absolutely floored by the memories I’ve had at SMU.

From the moment I stepped onto the Hilltop, I knew it was the place for me.

My mom was pleasantly surprised as we were flying back east when I told her I had made my decision to attend SMU.

We had visited 10 different schools and the May 1 decision deadline was quickly approaching.

After my first month on the Hilltop I already had a close group of friends, many of whom are still dear to me, and had adapted very well to the Texas heat.

Although I acclimated well into the SMU community, there was one vital thing I was missing … a major.

Business classes were my first go to which lead me to an academic warning my first semester.

Although the term ended on a high note, I knew business was not my calling.

Advertising then entered the picture and a year later, journalism.

My first journalism classes were similar to many other students in the division, ethics of convergent media and writing and editing.

My professors, Tony Pederson and Pam Hackett, were some of the most intriguing people I had met and I quickly grew to enjoy both courses.

Second semester sophomore year I declared both my advertising and journalism majors and decided to get involved … some people say a little too involved.

Through these various involvements, I’ve had the opportunity to showcase my talents and to learn from my mistakes.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of my professors at SMU, but particularly those in the division of journalism. From my beginning interactions with Pam and Professor Pederson I should have known I would consider you all a part of my journalism family. People in other departments do not understand the bond we all share … but they don’t need to.

To everyone in the division – I ‘ve spent countless all nighters with you, cried with you and laughed with you.

If I look back on my time as a first-year I would never think some of my most vivid college memories would be in the J-school wing of Umphrey Lee. From early mornings to late evenings, we’ve made it through and we have done it truly as a team.

Although I am unaware of which journalism path I will take, I want to especially thank the broadcast class I’ve grown up with. Who knew so much could happen in two years? We have learned not only from our professors, but from one another, and that is by far the greatest gift of all. I could truly call any of you no matter the situation and know you’d be there – this also includes our broadcast professors (and our non-broadcast professors).

Long evenings at the paper also made me into the person I am today.

Thanks for the memories – you all know who you are and if you don’t, look at The Daily Campus staff list for the last two years.

Although I can’t imagine my life without the people I’ve been blessed to meet and get to know at SMU, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my family.

We’ve certainly had our ups and downs but you have always placed 100 percent faith in me and that has always kept me going. You’ve encouraged me to go beyond my limits and you’ve put up with all of my crazy adventures and requests.

To all the other students at SMU that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting or not meeting, I want you to take this goodbye to heart.

Do everything life throws your way, take advantage of all the opportunities that await you in your years at SMU and push yourself to limits you never thought imaginable … because after all, college is likely to be the fastest years of your life.