“This is the home stretch,” seniors are saying now. We will be at college in five months. It’s hard to imagine what will change.

College is a leap into the unknown. I will know three people when I begin my journey at Oklahoma Baptist University.

“It will be the loneliest time of your life,” said my Contemporary Issues teacher, Mr. Tom Whelan.

In response to this, I am simply pouring into my relationships as much as I can. I want to leave with strong ties here; it will always be home. I plan to make this summer count. Of course, I want to be completely open to new relationships, as well.

The beauty of going away to school is the chance for a new start. Theoretically, I can be whoever I want to be next year. Who would know the difference? I probably couldn’t pretend to be an all-star basketball player, I don’t think I could feign having an artist’s hand, and no one would believe me as a preppy cheerleader. But what if I was a little more outspoken, a little less timid? I could be less sarcastic if I wanted, though not easily.

What if I let nothing hold me back? My mindset would be something entirely different. Next year could be my chance.