As we sat in class, less than two months away from graduation, my classmates that I have known since kindergarten were discussing roommates, jobs, and getting apartments.

I began tearing up.

I suddenly felt uneasy that I was in the same boat as them and did not want to accept the fact that I was closing a chapter of my life while also being pushed off of the ledge into independence and responsibility.

If anyone had told me multiple years ago, or even a few months prior to this week, that I would dread leaving my days as a high schooler, I would have never believed them.

As someone who has always felt that I was mature for my age and constantly ready for more responsibility, I was not expecting this sense of nostalgia that has recently been consuming my thoughts.

I have known what career path I wanted to take since I was 5 years old, and now that everything was finally materializing before my eyes, was I as ready as I thought I was?

Over the past few months, when I have had to put down my college deposit, look for an apartment, and apply for internships and jobs, I began to understand how much change I am about to experience.

It is a strange feeling to one day be making magazines full of stick figures in dresses, drawn in crayons and markers, and to one day be speaking to professionals in the fashion industry.

It is the little things that you do not realize that you are going to miss when you move out: the home cooked meals, running home ask your parents for advice when you are having a bad day, and watching movies with your friends. These inconspicuous moments that we pass by without recognition are conversely those that make the days feel fuller and more complete.

Currently being in this point in my life, as cliche as it sounds, I encourage underclassmen to appreciate everything while you have it and to not wish the time away, because sooner than you think, you are becoming an adult.