I REMEMBER standing in front of those big campus maps trying to figure out where in the world my first onsite class was. The maps were useful, but I still ended up asking the security guards where CTC was. This was in May 2022, just over a year ago, when we had pilot onsite classes towards the end of the second semester. 

I was technically a sophomore, but I felt like a freshman. Everything was a new experience: walking down SEC Walk for the first time, having lunch in Gonzaga, and hanging out in the org room. I felt giddy and excited about everything—that finally after almost two whole years of Zoom classes and Discord calls with my groupmates, I’m finally getting the “true” college experience.

But now as a senior, that feeling has passed. All of a sudden, things were moving at a much quicker pace. Suddenly, it was time for internships. My days became fully preoccupied with thesis topics I could explore. Classes that I once enjoyed taking became all about maintaining my QPI. I felt as if I was still adjusting to the rhythms of college life, trying to understand where I fit into all of this; now you’re saying I have less than a year of it left?

I was consumed by these thoughts in the first few weeks of my senior year. It still hasn’t quite sunk in that I’m in my last year of college. If anything, it feels surreal that I have to say goodbye to this place that had easily become home in just one year. The halls that I’ve come to know all too well suddenly evoke bittersweet feelings. In true Atenean fashion, these thoughts and feelings prompted a lot of reflection.

In my moments of reminiscing, I was oddly reminded of how important it is to “live in the now.” While looking towards the future is all well and good, this shouldn’t stop me from being present at the moment. What I’ll miss most about college isn’t all the planning and worrying I did; it’s the small, serendipitous moments with my friends—a spontaneous stroll around campus, a post-exam night out, or those last-minute, anxiety-filled review sessions. It’s those moments of being with the people I love and care about that, quite frankly, makes my college experience.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t think about our futures at all. It just shouldn’t consume us too much to the point that we’re unable to fully be in the moment. It is in striking the balance between planning for the future and being present in the present moment that we are able to truly live.

Of course, none of this is a novel idea. There are thousands of books and movies that convey this message about living in the moment. The reason for this cycle, I believe, is how easy it is for us to be filled with worry about the uncertain future—so much so that we need a constant reminder to be present.

I urge you, especially the seniors, to strive for this balance. The reality is that our college journey will be over soon, but that shouldn’t stop us from enjoying the time we have left. Sure, let’s make plans for our lives after college, but let’s also make the most of these last few months.

Marga is a senior taking up Development Studies with a minor in Health and Development and a specialization in Urban and Regional Development. She is expected to graduate from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2024. 

Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed by the opinion writer do not necessarily state or reflect those of the publication.