As I think back to previous graduation moments, three things stand out from each one of them: what I was wearing under that ugly oversized gown, saying goodbye to my friends and my family’s reputation of being late to each ceremony.

While I rocked a big, puffy orange dress with matching socks for kindergarten, I thought I was never going to see my best friends again.

I remember my mother was late because she was babysitting. I still have a home video of me showing off my diploma to the camera. It was my greatest accomplishment at the time.

For eighth grade, I wore the same white dress I wore for my confirmation. I hated my shoes because they were too big. I remember my makeup was ruined because I couldn’t stop crying. A couple of my friends were moving away, and I was devastated. My family was late, once again, because they couldn’t find the tickets to the ceremony.

Graduating from high school seems like it was only a couple of days ago. I ended up wearing one of my older sister’s dresses because I couldn’t afford to buy another one after my prom and luncheon expenses. I remember reading my salutatorian speech in front of a packed hall at McCormick Place. I thanked my family in the speech, hoping they were listening.

Sure enough, I later found out they had missed my speech. They had problems finding parking, and they got there as soon as I had finished it. Saying goodbye to my friends, once again, was the worst. Most of them were going away to college, including my best friend and my boyfriend.

Now, it’s time to walk across the stage again. I still don’t know what I will be wearing or  whether or not my family will be on time, but what I do know is that I’m going to miss all the people I’ve met and just being a college student.

These past four years have been awesome, despite all the breakdowns and pointless classes, but I’m ready to tackle this thing they call “the real world.” For the first time in my life, I don’t have a plan or a to-do list, and it feels amazing.

I’m going to take things as they come and just enjoy my summer without having to worry about upcoming classes or counting down my weeks left of vacation. It sucks not to have a job lined up, but after being emo about it for a couple of weeks I realized I better enjoy this time.

Since this is my last column, it would be rude of me not to say thanks. For all of you who have supported me through this journey, I can never thank you enough. It’s been tough, but a great experience.

Thank you to those who read my stories and gave me feedback. When I felt lost and frustrated, your comments were enough to reassure me I was a decent writer. I know reading my stories about Latinos might have gotten boring at times, but I’m glad I added some spice to the mix.

Though my parents won’t understand this, I just wanted to say gracias ma y pa. I’ve made it this far because of your advice. When I couldn’t wake up for that morning class, or felt like giving up, seeing your daily sacrifices kept me going. I am who I am today, because of both of you.

To my siblings and friends who anxiously waited to read my columns after I placed them on my fridge: thanks to each and every one of you. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to find a job soon so you can continue being my fans.

To my all my friends (you know who you are): I will miss our weekly adventures and lunch dates. It was a blast!

I came into this job at The Chronicle hoping to gain experience, get published and meet great future journalists. And that’s exactly what my memories will be.