In a week and a half, I will walk across the Coleman Coliseum stage, shake a couple of hands and celebrate receiving my degree.

The last four years at the Capstone have been amazing. Although filled with ups and downs, each year I made new friends, achieved new goals and made memories that will last forever. What a cliché, right?

I decided on The University of Alabama because it was the only Southeastern Conference school that was willing to let me walk on to its track team. Offers came in from smaller schools, but I wanted to compete in one of the best track and field conferences in the country, and Alabama was my ticket there.

I struggled the first two years with homesickness and confidence issues. My junior year saw big changes in the program. An entirely new coaching staff took over and made huge improvements in just a year. In a year and a half, I went from hardly traveling to having the fifth best pole-vault clearance in the world. My coach helped build my confidence and allowed me to accomplish things I never thought were possible.

I’ve heard people claim that I missed out on a “true” college experience because I traveled every weekend during spring semesters. I didn’t go out many nights because I was just too worn out from practice. But how many college students can say they traveled to New York City, Tampa, Fla., and almost every SEC school with 60 of their closest friends?

My college experience was pretty normal besides that. Between the parties and the excitement, it’s important to slow down and enjoy everything that the University and Tuscaloosa have to offer. I spent my time occupied with as much as possible, because I wanted to make the best of my four years here.

I was an SGA senator and a sorority girl. I played Bingo at the Houndstooth and trivia at Wilhagan’s. I crafted, tanned and spent my Tuesdays watching Law and Order SVU with my roommate. My dog enjoyed walks by the river, and I wrote for The Crimson White.

So go out and get involved. You’ll regret sitting at home when all of your friends are reminiscing about all the fun they had meeting new people and experiencing new things. Do what you can to bolster your resume now. Get some real world experience and find out what your passion is.

Alexis Paine was a staff reporter for The Crimson White during the 2012-2013 year and a pole-vaulter on the UA track and field team.