Julia Sand/ Winonan

Three years ago I started my first semester at Winona State University. I was absolutely terrified and already thinking of ways to get back home. I was asking things like what kind of two-year programs do you offer? Maybe I could transfer? How much are train tickets again? In other words, I was a complete and total mess.

Now, the adventure of my fourth and final year has begun and, today, my new title of “editor-in-chief” officially begins. I am asking things like: WHAT? Excuse me, but did sophomore year even happen? I am absolutely terrified and already thinking of all the ways I will so deeply miss everything this Winona life has offered. In other words, you could probably say the total mess portion of my life still rings true. Because, let’s be honest, do we ever really have it all figured out? Once we get comfortable, life changes on us again—a realization I try so hard to love, and yet, at times, absolutely hate.

So instead of making a list (9 months from now in May when I am about to graduate) of all the things I will miss from this part of life, I am making a list of all the things I look forward to making the most of. And freshman: take notes, because these are, in my opinion, some of the best parts of college.

• Living in such close quarters with numerous natural attractions: bluffs anyway you turn, a lake to the west, river to the east, scenic outlooks, etc. I never want to live in a boring geographical location again. Related: being able to canoe, kayak, paddle board, skate, etc., all year for $5!

• Never being just a few blocks away from some of the best friends I have made over the 21-year course of my life. How great is the ability to be in walking distance of so many great people?

• Coming home to roommates.

• Downtown Winona. Buy a coffee (from Blooming Grounds!), walk third street with your phone down and head up to admire the rooftops of those buildings. Trust me, it’s more interesting than anything on Facebook or Twitter.

• The Farmers Market.

• Knowing I still have (insert number) weeks/months/days until I have to actually get my life together. (& yet, I’m terribly eager to actually start my life and career.)

• Late Monday nights in the Winonan office editing, re-editing, laughing, crying, and becoming one with the AP Stylebook.

• The Winona State community, plain and simple, because after four years it’s a second home.