This school year marks the second time in life that I’ve been a senior. My feelings towards the title are much different this time around, as has been the experience leading up to it.

In high school, being a senior meant leaving all of the years spent acquiring a well-rounded base of knowledge to pursue something greater – ideally, for many of us, a postsecondary education.

But in college, things don’t seem to be as clear-cut. Where do we go from here? A career? An actual adult life?

I’m only 21 years old, and I serve food at a local restaurant. That seems about right to me.

And why shouldn’t it?

I’m young and although I have passions, I’m barely even emerging on them.

I don’t think I should be expected to have everything together at this point.

In some ways, I suppose I do have everything together, though. I look good on a resume. I have a lot of different life experiences tucked under my belt: an internship, some noteworthy jobs, some unique fields of study and numerous pursuits. Unlike a lot of people my age, I have money.

Still, I feel like I’ve been going through all of it blindly. For better or for worse, I’ve yet to know.

And maybe that’s the beauty of it – taking each day as an animal of its own.

I can’t help but be scared of the future and what it has in store for me. I haven’t gotten used to the idea of growing up, let alone the idea that one day I will.

So as I continue on my journey, I look to challenge myself. Expand myself. Immerse myself.

Surround myself with people who think like me. Surround myself with people who don’t. Grow. Change. Try to have fun.

I encourage you to do the same.

Don’t get too caught up in the details and formalities of life like job interviews or graduate program applications or resume and portfolio building. Make your education about education. Make your life about learning.

Make your remaining time at USI count.

At the end of the day, maybe this is all the universe asks of us. And maybe, just maybe, it’s enough.