Typical Senior Trip? Probably not.

Who would've guessed it. Post lavish graduation ceremony, clad in red in gold, full of pretentious Caucasian kids, a newly freed student flees to Florida for a celebratory getaway. It seems like any other trip we've ever taken. There's full anticipation of a similar week long retreat in the future... somewhere.

Though the reality is this notion is entirely false. Through sand, wind, the glorious sun, and skin drenched in salt and chlorine, we must all come to the realization that this is perhaps the last time we will all be together. This is perhaps the last time we'll all relish in each others' company, playing Uno and watching everything from the Stephen King classic Carrie to Fox's Bones.

We're all so comfortable, some of us still friends after 10 long years of public education. I lament that in a few short months everything will reset itself. College is rearing its mysterious head from a sky of confusion to a stately reality. We're going to restore our entire way of being to factory settings. Like a dysfunctional iPod, we'll be forced into this new way of life--blank and awkward.

It still hasn't hit me. My fingers are crafting these words without the full investment of my mind. Between lying on the beach and playing "Sharks and Minnows" in the pool, the present remains genuine and secure while the future is elusive. I've been slipping in and out of these contemplative moments, making this harsh transition of thought.

When I'm not worried about saying goodbye to my Oconee friends and leaving the life I've known forever I'm thinking about the season premiere of True Blood on June 13th. I'm thinking about the freckles that have magically appeared on my face after a long leave of absence (gone since band camp last year). I'm thinking about whether Twinnings Earl Grey or Twinnings English Breakfast is more suitable for my mood. I'm even wondering "if there's an app for that" with my new 64GB iPad.

I guess what I'm trying to achieve with these college/high school/transition posts is to encourage the rest of you to enjoy the time you have. For you, the future (college, working, freedom) seems so bright... just don't leave the past in the dark.