I always thought I would be here. No, not writing a senior column for Onward State — I never thought that would happen.

I always thought I would be here at Penn State. It’s been a dream since I was a kid. But now these past four years seem like they have been a dream. June 23, 2013 feels like just yesterday. It was the day I moved into 65 Simmons Hall to start summer session and my Penn State career. Now here I am four years later, about to graduate, wondering how it went so fast.

They always say, “Life moves pretty fast you know, if you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.”

I can now confirm with 100 percent certainty that quote is true. These four years were the best four years of my life, and also seem like they were the fastest.

If I had to describe how I’m feeling right now about leaving Penn State, this scene from Wolf of Wall Street describes it best:

I wish I could do that. I wish I could stay. The time has come for the goodbye I’ve been dreading this entire year.

While I dread every thought of leaving Penn State, I know full and well that I made the most of my time here. The memories I have made will last a lifetime and the friendships I made are second to none. While my college career is coming to an end, I know one thing for sure: These memories and friendships will never end.

I feel like I have to give at least one piece of cliche advice in this column, so here it is:

• Live up every second of your four years here. Make friends. Make memories. Because even after you leave Penn State — the classes, the student section, and the college parties — the memories and friendships will last beyond all this.

I’m not going to give you any more advice. No one should tell you how to “do” Penn State. Find what makes you happy here and do it.

My favorite memories come from attending Penn State sports games, traveling to the B1G Championship this year, becoming involved with THON (Thank you Carly and Hannah.), doing the typical “Penn State bucket list” things over the past four years, having the greatest group of friends, finding the greatest bar (Thank you Shandygaff.), stepping out of my comfort zone, and living a little.

Penn State is an amazing place, a place I call home, and a place I will always feel welcome. This isn’t a goodbye forever. I will be back. I know when I return it will still feel like home.

Some Thank Yous:

To the Editors: Thank you for taking a shot on me. Without you reaching out, I would have never joined this wonderful blog. It has been the best decision I’ve made this year. Sorry I still suck at writing. Thank you for helping me along the way.

To Onward State: You people are amazing at what you do. I’m so very humbled and honored to have gotten to know all of you over the past year. You are the greatest group of people I have met in my four years here at Penn State. I can not wait to continue to read your articles.

To My Friends:

• Kev, thanks for being there since Day 1. You’ve been a great roommate and friend these past 3 years. Thanks for putting up with me.
• Chris, thanks for the shots of Bowman’s that first day in summer session. Thanks for keeping me sane and insane these past 4 years. This life is a party — we’re never growing up.
• Court Sports, thanks for loving Penn State and the Gaff as much as me.
• The guys, thanks for the memories in wonderful 501 Beaver Terrace. No other crew I would want to take on these past four years, or the Gaff with. It’s been a wild ride, but almost all of us made it.
• Kat, N8, Ern, Neeksi, thanks for being my best friends, I don’t know how you are all still friends with me, but damn am I glad. You guys are the best. Tuesdays will always be For The Squad. (Thanks again, Carly.)

To My Family: Thank you for always be there for me. I wouldn’t be where I am in life without you. Also shout-out to you guys for throwing tailgates, too. Those were always fun.

Final Thoughts:

While my time here at Onward State has been short, and I never got to write my magnum opus (HEADLINE: Pat Chambers Fired As Head Basketball Coach) it has been absolutely amazing. From covering a D1 hockey team that would go on to the NCAA Tournament, writing my thoughts about Penn State football’s amazing season, to writing about Khloe Kardashian, the experiences I have had writing for Onward State have been incredible.

Thank you so much for reading along.