I was so excited to just get here and move in. I couldn't wait to see Beaver Stadium from the road, meaning I was here.

As a 17-year-old, just four short days out of high school, I was practically boiling over with excitement to see the place I would spend so many unforgettable Saturdays. The venue, looking like two open hands from the distance, represented the place I was going to call home for the next four years.

I understood the value of this exploration period and decided to document each day in a journal starting with my first day as a LEAP student to my last day of freshman year.

And now, as a 21-year-old just two weeks from graduation, I am not as excited about the new journey I am about to begin. This time, the questions are not about what I am going to major in and what kind of classes I'm taking. The inquisitions have been more about jobs and making a living. Beneath the surface, they're thinking, "Welcome to the real world. It sucks. You're gonna love it!"

So forgive me for avoiding those daunting question marks I call the future. Rather, I want to stay young just a little longer and realize what these past four years have meant to me. How much they've molded me and prepared me for the unknown that lies ahead.

At 10 a.m., we were awoken by a couple members of the Blue Band outside our window. They did a little song and screamed, "It's game day!"

I'll be the first to admit college football was not my thing. Joe Paterno sounded familiar in high school, but nothing really came to mind. I've been a sports fan all my life, but Penn State football was a whole other monster I had yet to meet.

But that unmistakable alarm clock will remain one of my favorite moments. Penn State's sports presence was part of the reason I came here in the first place. Every football Saturday could be tallied in the favorites' category. From that October week camping out for the Ohio State game and experiencing an upset to end all upsets to enduring below-freezing temperatures during a blowout -- it's no surprise football has been a big part of all our years here.

However, those Blue Band members represented something much bigger to me. Their performance was just a small example of the pride flowing through this campus. I never thought I could love a place so much. From the very beginning, I knew I made the right choice even if it didn't seem so certain at the time. This indescribable love affair led me to the Lion Scout organization, where I can share it with perspective students on tours and chat rooms and hopefully make their decision a little easier.

Looking back now, Penn State should have been a no-brainer. From Day 1, I have considered myself so very lucky as to find a place that has become such an important part of my identity.

I'm really proud of my story though. It's about twice as long as my usual stories.

I should have known right then was the moment I fell in love with The Daily Collegian, the reason I have this space to reflect. I joined with two friends during that LEAP summer on a whim. I wasn't sure about the newspaper business, but I wanted to be a part of the medium that reached you, the student.

Three years ago, my twice-as-long story was a precursor of what to come. Sharing a powerful story with the community was something I have grown to love. I have met athletes and families whose stories I will never forget. Most notably Nick Colleluori, a Hofstra lacrosse player who died of lymphoma at the age of 21 -- but not before he started the HEADstrong foundation for other families affected by childhood cancer. The HEADstrong band around my wrist stands as a constant reminder of his strength.

Beyond the stories, however, are the people I have met while working countless hours in this basement. I can honestly say I never thought I would get here, where the Collegian consumed nearly every day. But it was just too fun to stay away from the daily grind and the down time with some of my best friends.

I hope they all know how much of a family they have become to me, especially the sports staff, which will honestly be the hardest thing to walk away from. My best memories at Penn State have them in it, and it's hard to believe it's my turn to say goodbye.

Seeing writers hit their stride as an editor for this past year, I was constantly reminded of something a former editor told me as he neared graduation -- "It's not our paper anymore, it's yours."

I just want her to be happy.

After 17 years attached at the hip, I knew going in this whole going away to college thing was going to change the relationship my mom and I shared.

As expected, the road was often bumpy. She dealt with phone calls that lasted less than a minute and my snappiness when I just wasn't in the mood to talk about my day. But I know she'll still call the next day just like she always does.

We've been through a lot over these four years, and I want her to know that when I walk across that stage, it's just as much her accomplishment as it is mine. She has taught me everything I know. I thank her for being the best parent anyone can ask for. I love her more than she knows, and making her proud has always been a motivation.

I'm really looking forward to reading this in a couple years and wishing I was back in this position right now. Time goes by way too fast.

If only I knew how fast.