To say I’m a senior is a bit of a stretch. I graduated high school in May of 2010 and started my college career in August of 2010. All my friends are seniors and my graduation year is still 2014. I’ve even exceeded the total number of credits necessary to graduate from SMU, but I have a full three semesters worth of classes left before I can get my diploma. I might have (accidentally) stretched out my time at SMU as long as I could, but I wouldn’t change a thing about my college experience.

The University of Kentucky seemed like the obvious choice of school for my college education. It fit all the criteria my 17-year-old self was looking for; a big, state school with a solid party scene, good sports programs, and just far enough from my home in Nashville. Little did I know, that big school would become a great source of unhappiness for me, as it did little to stimulate me socially and academically. I started the transfer process mid-way through my freshman year, at which point my best friend Richard gave me no choice but to come for a visit at SMU. Within 24 hours of being on campus with Richard and my two best friends from middle school, I was hooked. SMU was the place for me.

The next fall, I started as a sophomore (with freshman credit hours) at SMU. With the help of my friends from Nashville, I made great friends in my first weeks as a Mustang, which led to my decision to join the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority the following winter. I’ve never been surrounded by a group of girls as driven, compassionate, and loyal as my Kappa sisters. They took me in when I was the new girl on campus, and I will always be so grateful for the memories we share together.

Going into my junior year, I decided I was ready for a new adventure. I had never seriously considered studying abroad, but I felt drawn to the idea of being on my own in Europe. My Italian minor led me to choose Franklin College in Italian-speaking Lugano, Switzerland, where I studied for the spring 2013 semester. I will always remember my seven months abroad as the best time of my life with the best friends anyone could ask for, and I look forward to moving to London after graduation.

So now, as I begrudgingly schedule 18 hours of classes for next semester, I can’t help but be thankful for all the transitions and experiences that led to me graduating six and a half months after most of my friends. I may only be a junior in terms of hours, but this pseudo-senior is ready for whatever escapades super-senior year might bring.