It is hard to believe that I have fewer than 100 days left in my senior year. The excitement is getting very real as I begin to pay dues for graduation cords, go prom dress shopping, and work on graduation invitations. I have begun to tackle these tasks with my newly found free time. With only two early morning classes separating me and my free time every day, there’s been plenty of time to figure out what I truly enjoy spending my time doing.

For once in my high school career, as soon as school is over I am not rushing home to complete homework. Furthermore, I am not stuck doing the same routine things and the flexibility in my schedule is what I have always looked forward to having. I have time to eat lunch with my other senior friends, go back to school to work on yearbook assignments, or pick up a few shifts at my part-time job. There is even time to stop, grab a coffee, and chat with my favorite Books on Broad employees. Free time is what I have always wanted, but without a busy routine, time is slipping through my hands. I see my time at home is dwindling and passing all too quickly.

When I think of the changes and challenges that are coming, it is like the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. The closer college gets, the further it seems away. Looking forward, time appears to be moving at a snail’s pace. It seems like when you make up your mind to do something, it can never come fast enough.

Having finally made it to my senior year and the perks of having a relaxed schedule, I should be savoring the free time and benefits. As I look forward to next year, the time passes ever so slowly. However, as I reflect on the people and places that I will not be so close to over the coming years, I try to squeeze in as much as possible. It all seems to be moving too fast. It has become a strange balancing act between moving on and holding on.