When I went through my first graduation, I never imagined that I’d be returning to this glorious campus. I went through all the emotions I’d like to think every senior goes through: The slightly bittersweet feeling as you attend your last class, the joy at finishing your last exam and the sadness at realizing you’re taking your last hike across campus as a student.

This time, I know for a fact I won’t ever return to this place as a student. For one thing, I doubt I could afford yet another degree. For another, I think I’ve spent enough of my life as a college student.

But the one advantage my first departure has given me is how it reminds me that I need to savor these last few precious moments of my college career.

I doubt most people really spend a lot of time thinking about the end of school. Despite the fact that college is all about preparing for the future, it too often becomes about living in the present. Whether it’s the paper you haven’t begun that’s due tomorrow, the exam that’s coming up or even that great party this weekend, it’s easy to become lost in the details.

It’s something I was guilty of my first time around. The momentous nature of what was happening never really hit me until just before finals week, and at that point it became a flood of emotions as the totality of what I’d accomplished washed over me.

It’s also something that I’ve tried not to do this time. I’ve approached this final semester with the full knowledge this is it.

Of course, part of me still resisted acknowledging that fact. With the job market in the state it’s in, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit terrified to be thrust out of this nice comfortable world into the harsh light of reality.

Part of it simply might be that I really, truly love the college experience. There are those people who love to tell everyone they meet about how happy they are to be out of here, or how ready they are to not have to worry about classes, but that’s just not me.

Sure, I’ll be appreciative when I actually get paid for the work I do instead of paying for the privilege, but I really do think if I had unlimited quantities of money, I’d find some excuse to stay in this world I’ve grown to love so much.

If you’ve read to this point, I’m sure you’re rolling your eyes, saying, “I get it. He likes college a lot. What’s the point?”

The point is that you need to stop and smell the roses — especially if you’re about to graduate. It’s a cliche, but it’s true.

I know this page has printed plenty of pieces arguing that you need to slow down life and enjoy it, etc., etc., but I haven’t always agreed with that idea. Sometimes there’s value in speeding through things. God knows that I wouldn’t want to dwell on some of the more tragic moments of my life.

The end of college, however, definitely is one of those situations where you need to take your time. Unless you go into the world of academia as a career, your life never will be the same once you leave these hallowed halls.

It could be argued that your life has five distinct phases: Your infancy, childhood, college, adulthood and then retirement. Each phase is radically different from the others, with a different schedule and responsibilities.

At four years — more like five for most of us — college is the shortest phase, and it will also be the most memorable. Think about all the stories adults tell about their college years. If you’re not out there having those adventures, gathering those stories and relishing in those experiences, you’re doing it wrong.

Even if you’re not a senior, you need to take the time to soak in all you’re going through. For most of you, this is a one-shot deal with no do-overs.

But for those seniors who haven’t taken the time to think about the end of their college career, now’s the time. Savor what you’re going through — yes, even that one final you’re dreading.

This is one of the defining moments of your life. It’s up to you whether you look back on this time with fondness or regret.

James Harrison is the State News opinion editor. Reach him at harri310@msu.edu.