Disclaimer: This might be a bit sentimental. As I'm getting close to the end of this semester, I realize more and more how little time I have left in my college career.

2016 has been quite a year. From Edinburgh to Greenville, from junior to senior, and from no blog to blog, there are many firsts to look back on and many lasts. In addition, there have been many obstacles and many achievements (as any year holds). These are not new feelings, and these are not new to any of you either. We all have our battles.

What I'm here to tell you is that these battles are what fortify us to move on.

Believe me, I know it's difficult to move on. I don't love being comfortable in one place and in one situation, so I'm constantly trying to push my comfort zone and explore. That is one of my major achievements this year, and I'm definitely including that in years to come. It's hard to do on a daily basis with the craziness of school, clubs, jobs, and socializing. This is why I love new friends and new adventures: I love the excitement, the vulnerability, and the fascination.

Here are some of my firsts and lasts of 2016:

First- Studying abroad in Edinburgh was the longest I've ever been away from Greenville, and it was a first full of learning.

Last- This was my last fall at Furman, and fall is my favorite season.

First- Starting this blog encouraged me to write so much more than I have in the past few years, and I've loved it.

Last- This was the last year that I'll be a part of Orientation Staff, which is an organization that has led me to many new connections and lasting relationships.

First- I made the decision to prioritize coffee and coffee shops in my life, and they give me the chance to absorb a new culture wherever I go.

Last- Until this Friday, November 25, Gilmore Girls had a resolution. Now, there's more to the story, and I'm nervous/excited to hear the last four words.

The ephemeral nature of a flower: a first and last within itself.

What are some of your firsts and lasts of 2016? Do you ever think about those occurrences in the moment? How would the conscious thought process make you feel?

I urge you to do some "firsts" and "lasts" reflecting on 2016 also. This exercise helped put my year into a larger perspective and realize that I don't need to keep getting whirled away by everyday living. I need to embrace the moments that will last because those are the ones that I will carry with and reminisce about when I look back at my senior year of college.

Lucky Strike of the Day: Check out the Furman Facebook today for my feature for Giving Tuesday next Tuesday, November 29. Think about what kinds of people and organizations you'd like to donate to next week.