As my college life draws to a close, I have been struck with an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia.

I suddenly find myself with tears in my eyes at random moments.

Each time I go somewhere or do something, I am oftentimes hit with the realization that it is the last time I will do so.

As graduation approaches, I am both excited to see where life will take me and saddened that I am leaving so many people and places I hold dear.

In the all-too-short time I have spent on campus at Eastern, I have made many connections and friends.

Too many times in the past few days, I have felt something I can only describe as impending loss.

Having written my last story as the entertainment reporter for The Daily Eastern News, a part of me wishes I could go back to the beginning and start over again.

When I think of the friends and professors I have grown attached to, I am saddened to realize that there is a good possibility that I have seen some of them for the last time.

It is almost difficult to look forward to life after college when I feel like I am leaving so much behind.

That said, time will pass whether I want it to or not.

It is up to me to brace myself for the future and step into the unknown.

Social media is a great way to keep in touch with those I want to stay close to.

Also, an important lesson to learn is that people will come and go in life.

Sometimes people come into our lives for a short time just to make it better, then it is time for both us and them to go our separate ways and move on.

Letting go is another lesson I know I will take away from this experience.

However, letting go does not mean forgetting either.

All of the people I have met and the experiences I have had during my time at Eastern are ones I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

I know with absolute certainty that I am nowhere near the same person I was when I came to Eastern.

I have grown and changed throughout my time here, becoming more comfortable with who I am and what I do.

It was my time at Eastern that facilitated my change into the person I am now, and it is that bittersweet truth that makes it so difficult to say goodbye.

Mercury Bowen is a senior journalism major. She will be graduating at the end of this week and we, the entire staff at The Daily Eastern News are incredibly sad to see her go, but happy that she will succeed wherever she goes. Thank you for everything, Mercury. She can be reached at 581-2812 or mjbowen@eiu.edu.