Slowly but surely, I am approaching the end of my time here at the University of Dayton. For three and a half years now, I have written opinions pieces in these very pages on topics ranging from the war in Iraq to the horror that is the 24-hour news network, from Supreme Court justices to election predictions.

This time, however, I would like to dispense with my usual political ranting and raving in order to reflect on the nearly four years that I have spent here at UD. That's right, politicians and their ilk are granted a momentary reprieve from me, although, I am still convinced they have no souls and quite possibly kill puppies for sport.

But I digress. Now, on to what I wanted to discuss. It seems like just yesterday I moved into Stuart Hall for the first time, and now I work there. Indeed, time goes by way too quickly, and quite frankly, if I had it my way, I would change my major as soon as possible so I don't have to leave. Unfortunately, my parents would probably have me assassinated if I were to stay any longer (not really'I love them dearly).

Anyway, I would like to use my remaining 300 allotted words to dispense some advice for those still rising through the ranks of UD and, for that matter, those still reading this article:

First and foremost, cherish the friends that you have made. In my four years here at UD, I have made my best friends. Two of them have invited me to be a member of their wedding party, and all of them have helped me through the most difficult experience that I have ever had, sticking by me the whole time. In fact, tell your friends you love them. Those are words that aren't spoken nearly enough by a lot of people these days, but they should be. To my friends (and you know who you are), I love you all.

Second, don't think about the past too much. That is an area where I certainly could have done a lot better in my four years here at UD. To say I don't have any regrets would be a blatant lie, but to dwell on that which I cannot go back and change helps nobody. Learn from the past where it can help you in the future. But otherwise, let the past remain in the past.

Finally, never give up. No matter how bad things seem to be, they can't possibly be any more depraved than the lives career politicians lead every day (sorry, I was just itching to toss that in somewhere).

In all seriousness, though, love the time you spend here at UD, because when it is over, you will only want more.

I know I do, and I still have a few months left to go.