With about three and three-quarters years of my undergraduate education completed, the countdown to graduation has begun. If all goes according to plan, I will be walking across the stage to receive my degree in early May.

Looking back on my time at Texas A&M, I am grateful for the opportunities provided by the hardworking professors, faculty, and staff. Everyone devoted their efforts to create an environment conducive to knowledge and growth. The professors never failed to show their dedication to a student’s success, going above and beyond the classroom.

The student body of Texas A&M continuously demonstrates what it means to be an Aggie. For most, college is the first time on one’s own, but hardly any make it through their four years alone.

The numerous and diverse student body allows anyone to find their group, a place to belong, and people to lean on. Events like Silver Taps or Aggie Muster show that regardless of your individual involvement, a student’s impact reaches far beyond their inner circle.

As I prepare to leave Texas A&M, I return to where I started. I will move from something I worked hard to know and step forward into another unknown adventure with only a vague sense of a plan.

The coming future is another “if it all goes to plan.” I will be taking a gap year to work on my medical school application and gain more research and medical experiences.

I will move home and return to life under my parents’ roof. I am excited to no longer have to grocery shop for myself, but I think being back will motivate me to succeed.

No matter what is to come, the only sure thing is, I will not stop working toward my dream of being a physician.

But before I get ahead of myself, I need to make sure I graduate, so I’m going to get back to studying for physiology.

I will see you in May, at the finish line.