This week begins the last few days of my reign as a senior in college and the Editor in Chief of this fine newspaper.

With the past year I’ve had, I have definitely had my ups and downs, and if you know me well enough, you know what I’m talk­ing about.

I truly have learned so much about myself, not only as a per­son, but also as a “boss.” (I use that term loosely though because the word boss does not usual­ly conjure up good memories or thoughts.)

I have truly had the time of my life while in college, and I am so thankful for that trip to Monroe four years ago to Browse the Bay­ou.

I had already decided to go to the almighty LSU with a friend I’d had since junior high, but a new friend I met during my junior year of high school and I decid­ed to come tour ULM just for the fun of it.

We immediately fell in love.

I came to ULM with just one friend, and I’m now leaving with more than I ever imagined. It’s funny how life has a way of con­necting you with people.

I’m not just leaving with friends, but with many additions to my family.

Even though my life has been down lately and family I love have been welcomed to Heaven, I truly am one blessed girl.

I would like to thank ULM for giving me a college experience I never imagined I would have. I am (or was) a shy girl from the country who rarely spoke her mind or took charge.

But, after four years, I am an eager go-getter, who has no prob­lem voicing her opinion. I’m a different person now than I was, and I’m so grateful for it.

Even with my optimistic and nostalgic self, I know that all good things must come to an end. The “family” I’ve made while being a student here will all disperse and head off in different directions.

We may not always keep in touch, and eventually life will di­vide us.

But that will never erase the memories I have from being a Warhawk and a student at this university.

I will always wear my maroon and gold with pride and smile at the great times I’ve had.

I have definitely learned late­ly that life is too short to live with regrets, and you will not always be promised tomorrow. So, my words of wisdom to you under­classmen: you only get to experi­ence things once, so make them count.

Also, never regret anything be­cause at one point in time, it’s ex­actly what you wanted.

I would like to thank everyone who made my college experience the most amazing of my life.

I will miss this campus more than imaginable, but I know it’s time to go forth and conquer.

So, it’s only “so long” for now, for I will never say goodbye to my (almost) alma mater.