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I forgot what it's like to go to school. I forgot how many times you have to introduce yourself -- name, major, when you're graduating and whatever other random question the professor might throw in. I forgot how much reading slams you all in the first week. I think I was assigned around 14 chapters of reading, a three-page paper analyzing the presidential nomination speeches, a news story and a couple other random assignments. And I haven't even had my last class yet. I like a challenge, but I can't help feeling panicked. When I started the first week of my senior year, I couldn't help but think back to my first semester. After schooling at home for 12 years, I didn't know how I would have to adjust my normal study routine with going to class and listening to lectures. I think I've done all right so far. I want to tell you about the first day of school, but first I have to backtrack. I have a best friend. She is so dear to me I can barely stand it. The story of our friendship is a beautiful one, but I'll save that for another time. When we decided to go to the same college, it was a given that we would be inseparable for the first year. We signed up for all the same classes. We considered wearing matching outfits and pretending to be twins, since people often ask if we're sisters. We met OUTSIDE of school to walk in each morning since we had the same class schedule (that only lasted for the first week and a half). For the first year of college, we had every class together except one. I have been completely blessed by her friendship and she challenges me to be a better person every single day. She's the sister I never had. She'll definitely be my maid of honor one day. I woke up on Tuesday to clouds and rain. I had not considered what I might wear, so I just put on an outfit that matched...I think. I also wore glasses instead of contacts...you know, my lazy face. I drove to school, which takes me about 7 minutes if the crossing guard at the elementary school down the street doesn't stop me to let the little kiddies get to school. I parked, got out, grabbed my books and reached for my phone. As I turned around, she was already walking towards me across the parking lot, just as we had planned the night before. Because what best friends don't call each other the night before they're going to see each other? I felt like we completed the circle. Meeting the first day of freshman year and now the first day of senior year. As we walked in the doors, we reminisced how silly yet adorable we were at eighteen. She looked beautiful as usual, but I claim that she has it easy partly because she doesn't NEED glasses so she can't show a "lazy face." I titled this blog post as above because I'm coming to the end of the formal schooling time of my life. I might go to grad school...I'm not sure yet. But that doesn't mean I ever want to stop learning whatever path my life may take. That first day was the beginning of the end, but I'll jump right back into a new beginning as soon as I hold that diploma in my hand. Oh and by the way. My best friend and I have three classes together this year. I can't wait.