ow, how time flies!

Yes, I'm going to be clichŽ; it is my last column (so I can do that).

I have worked on The Tech Talk since I was a sophomore. So, basically most of my college career has involved this newspaper. It's pretty much all I know of my free time.

So, what am I going to do? Honestly, I'm really not sure. Probably just enjoy my last quarter as a student at Tech.

I've loved every minute of my busy college life. Being busy is pretty much what I live for. But I think it will be nice to sit back and relax before I jump out into the "real" world.

Well, actually, I'm doing a little bit of traveling before that time comes. I'm going to Costa Rica for a study abroad program. Then, most likely, traveling and working in Europe for three months.

Postponing the inevitable? Yes, pretty much. Truthfully, I'm scared to death, but I know I have what it takes.

I have been waiting my entire life to be a television reporter, but once I begin my career, that's it. So, why not travel? I will probably never have this opportunity again.

Going to school at Tech has been such an awesome experience. I love it here. I practically bleed red and blue.

But I have learned a lot more than academics. Let me share with you a few of the most important lessons I've learned since my freshman year.

There is such a thing as the freshman '20.' I know most of you believe it is 'freshman 15,' but trust me on this one; I know first hand.

Love really does come when you least expect, and sometimes it backfires on you.

Patience is a virtue. Things don't always happen when you want them to. But have faith, maybe one day they will.

Determination is the key. If you want something badly enough, you have to work for it.

My mom is my emotional hostage. No matter how long her day has been, she will never tell me she doesn't feel like listening.

My dad is where I get my strength. Without him I wouldn't be the person I am today ( I already said I was going to be clichŽ).

My friends are my rock. I have learned so much from all of them. They truly are 'angels in disguise.'

Sometimes life just isn't fair. But it's what you do about it that counts.

I've found out how to deal with my problems. It's not shopping; it's retail therapy, Dad.

However, money really is an object. And spending too much of it can really get you into trouble. And managing it is a lot harder than what I expected.

It's OK if not everyone likes you, as long as you know you're doing the right thing.

I work a lot better when I'm under pressure. I know they say not to wait until the last minute to do something, but sometimes that's the only way I get it done. (Or maybe it's called being lazy.)

It's all right to be single. Who cares if I'm about to graduate and haven't had a serious boyfriend? It has been my choice, and I have nothing holding me back.

Your brother can also be one of your best friends. Even though I'm loud and he's quiet, he is always there for me and really understands me.

Ruston really is a great place. It may be small, but things don't seem so rushed here as they do in larger cities.

My sorority is where I've learned a lot of responsibility. Knowing 120 people you care about are counting on you makes it easier to accomplish things.

Life is a journey, not a destination. I have learned to take each day as it comes.

The Tech Talk is more than just a newspaper. It is a family. My coworkers and the entire journalism department are my home away from home.

I have loved every moment I have had at Tech. So, to my family, friends and professors: Thank you.

Time really does fly when you're having fun.

Jennifer Reynolds is a senior journalism major from Shreveport and serves as editor of The Tech Talk. E-mail comments to jmr035@latech.edu.