For the past 18 years August meant, school supplies, a class list, new books and new clothes and being reunited with friends, but not this time.

The excitement of August wasn’t the same this time around.

For the first time, August, to me, didn’t mean back to school.

With the uncertainty and the sudden change of August I felt a void.

Now being in the “real world” and having grown into a “real person”.

For the first time, I am truly out on my own, a time zone and a 14-hour car drive from my family who cannot drop everything and come save me when I’m having a sub-par day.

December changed everything – that’s when I walked across that stage and became a graduate.

As you are aware already, everyone has the expectations that once you graduate, you’ll immediately have it all figured out and you have to stick to your plan.

Wrong.

Since graduation, things have stayed the same for me; my love for politics and the fact that I’m pursuing my dreams in Washington, DC.

I don’t have a clear path of how I will tackle my dreams, but each night I can rest, knowing I’m on the right path.

Since January there have been many kinks in my plan.

Things haven’t gone exactly as expected.

Through these times I have learned with each unexpected change, it will be what you make of it, but most of all it is an opportunity and you must seize it.

It is simple: life is unpredictable.

Just because you are set in your ways and think you have figured out a so-called life plan does not mean someone isn’t going to come throw a wrench into your plans, chances are they will.

For better or worse the only constant is change.

Get used to it.

Become accustom to it and things will only get easier.

You never know where life will take you or where your true passions lie.

Take chances, make the time to connect with new people and your life will unfold beautifully right in front of you, and better yet in your hands.

Understand this, before I knew it, August turned into September and September will soon be October.

October means my first visit as an Alumnus to Winona.

One thing that will never change is that I cannot wait to see the great things Winona has in store for me.

Don’t forgot you do not need to wait to be an Alumni for this incredible journey to start.

The sooner your journey starts, the better it will be and the better you will feel.

Whether your journey is in political science like mine, journalism or biology, make sure that you enjoy what you do because you’ll be doing it for many years to come.

The more I reflect back on my time at Winona State, the more I miss it.

I love being in Washington, DC, but at the same time I miss the bluffs and I miss the friends I made who are still in school.

Washington, DC has taught me to remember not to take the little things for granted; a phone call from a loved one or a smile from someone as I pass them by on the street.

As the time approaches when I make my way back to Winona, I look forward to coming back as an Alumni.

I can’t wait to rehash some of my past memories with students and staff alike.

Being in Washington, DC is sometimes hard, but when all is said and done, I’m really happy that I decided to start my career here.

I’m ready for Winona, but the question that remains is this: Is Winona ready for me?

See you soon Winona, see you soon.