“Get ready for the best four years of your life.”

Everybody with a college degree told me this before I left for the University two years ago. My witty mental response?

Yeah, right.

College was just going to be a road bump on my way to doing what I really wanted to. Classes, notes and professors? Being away from the comfort of home?

Sounds more like a boarding school than the fictitious best years of my life.

Like most preconceived notions, I was wrong and they were right.

I’m halfway done with my college career and I am dreading walking into the Stroh Center to the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Not because I will have become a full-fledged adult with an equally daunting job to match (hopefully), but because college will be over.

I use the following adjective sparingly, so take note. I love college. I enjoy being away from home and having to fend for myself.

I like spending time with good friends, and even living with them in some instances.

The absolute freedom is exhilerating.

My younger sister is going to be a freshman this fall. Like most 18-year-olds, she’s scared out of her minds. I don’t blame them. The only reason we’re afraid of the dark is because we don’t know what lies beyond.

I told her I envied her. If I could do it all over again, I would. I’d love to relive my first two years. Would I change anything? Of course not, because I’m far too happy with the way my life is now.

We spend some of our time as students counting. Not crunching numbers, but counting the days until we’re done. We know how far away spring break is and how many weeks we get off for winter break.

I’m guilty of this as well. I even count the days until the weekend; thankfully my math skills allow me to at least count up to five.

We need to change our thinking.

Instead of thinking, “I have to stay for two more semesters,” think “I get to stay for two more semesters.” Due to various reasons, not everyone can attend college. We who can must remember just how lucky we are.

Talk to any graduate about college and they’ll most likely tell you about the good: meeting their future spouse, pulling all-nighters and the parties they attended.

They will want to hear all about your experiences and possibly attempt to live vicarously through you. Let them. You’ll want to do it to your kids one day.

I’m a junior, so I still have plenty of time to really soak up the college experience. For those who are graduating in August or December, cherish this time.

Use these four years of your life to make the next four equally amazing.