One final dance. One last semester of waking up at 7 a.m. every day to hop into my old car, take the Border Highway and park in the same little spot a few blocks behind University Avenue.  

One final ride on the shuttle and walk through Centennial Plaza after every gym session. One final week of professor introductions and syllabus reviews for each class.  

One final countdown of turning in assignments on Sunday at 11:59 p.m. One final stretch of sitting down in the Union, doing work for all of my classes, with my closest friends on standby, talking about life’s little fruits.  

Closing this chapter seems surreal. It seems like only yesterday that I left my restaurant job in 2021 in the lower valley to finally return to school. My mind was scattered back then, focused on getting myself on my own two feet.  

Higher education was never part of my plan until my friend Jonah convinced me to pursue journalism. We spent hours ranting about sports and about anything really. Those talks kept me motivated during the pandemic. ‘Dawg, we should start a podcast sometime,” he told me, not long before I sent my application to chase my dream. 

Now, four years later, I’m standing at the end of this marathon, staring at the finish line, knowing I can’t break the tape just yet.  

When I look in the mirror, I feel grateful that I took part in this college journey and built connections that will lead me into the professional world. But another reflection on the other side pushes back. Did I do enough to walk on the stage? Was it all worth the hard work? 

In reality, the question I should ask is whether I have any regrets. The answer is no. 

College is more than a marathon. It’s a journey that takes you beyond the professional world. You meet people from similar and different backgrounds, all working toward a dream that money can never buy. 

So, here is some advice for your college journey.  

Don’t be scared of self-doubt, I feel it too. Higher education should never be rushed. Patience and precision are your best friends. 

 Things will not go your way the first time around. Take a breath. You will find a solution.  

Trust in yourself from the get-go. There will be moments when you feel alone, especially when the pressure is at its peak. Start with positive self-talk and remind yourself who you are and why you are here. 

Communication is key. Talk with your professors and classmates outside of class. It can feel intimidating at first, but it benefits not only you, but everyone around you. Your next opportunity is often a text or one conversation away. 

Get involved on and off campus. You will grow personally as you strengthen the communities you are part of and bring people together. 

Most importantly, enjoy the journey and make memories along the way. Go on coffee runs with your new friends. Have study sessions together at the library. Attend events on and off campus. These moments can help distract yourself from life’s little problems. 

This final return to campus taught me that all good things do come to an end. But it also proved that finishing this marathon was worth it, a journey I will always remember. 

As Jimi Hendrix once said, “The story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye, the story of love is hello and goodbye, until we meet again.”  

Fred Kepfield is a contributor writer and may be reached at [email protected]  or on Instagram at kepfield_reports.