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When you think ahead 1 year, the time in between seems like an eternity. At the end you are left wondering where the time went. Suddenly the endless days and weeks feel like they passed in a fraction of a second. But in the middle, when all the moments seem either rushed or dragged out, the best way to live is to simply enjoy the present.

Exactly 1 year ago today I was in my first week of my internship in Kodiak, Alaska. I remember it was this exact date because one of my new supervisors was celebrating his birthday. On that day I was camping and sea kayaking in the most beautiful environment I had ever seen. I saw my first grizzly bear that day, as well as various other animals that inhabited my temporary home. The next 3 months were more incredible, entertaining, challenging, and momentous than I can ever express. Rather than ending my summer feeling homesick, I came home only to miss Kodiak. I truly did my best to enjoy every moment, and the excellent thing about memories is that they allow you to revisit every emotion, so long as you took the time to make the memories in the first place.

I returned to school just weeks after I returned from Kodiak. I was beginning my last 2 semesters of college. Ask any college student, these are the hours and days that we try our best to rush. Classes and lectures will hardly ever be an enjoyable process, but even there are chances to make memorable moments. 2 of the most invaluable courses that I took were Creative Writing and Advance Creative Writing. I found a renewed passion for creating stories and characters through these classes. I was able to gain feedback and insight into the novel that I had begun. These classes, along with others, have given my new knowledge about myself and what drives me.

2 1/2 weeks ago I graduated from Southern Adventist University. Just weeks before that I accepted a 6 month position with the Southwest Conservation Corps. As I look back on this past month I have so many memories and moments that I would never replace. I can now look back on the past 5 years and wonder how college flew by so fast. For the first time I understand how my life is just beginning. I now stand on the verge of the rest of my life, looking forward to the new experiences and adventures and challenges that are sure to arise. 

Take no moment for granted, each and every one will pass too quickly. We will never get back yesterday, there will always be another tomorrow, all we ever have is the present.