It occurred to me today that this is my last Christmas break from school. In January, I will have my final "first day" of classes.

August 2008 seems like a lifetime ago. I remember feeling so overwhelmed by this huge mountain I was about to climb. I didn't think the end was even in sight, let alone coming! I didn't know what I was getting myself into. I thought nursing school was just some more classes, that I would get into and get it over with. I had no idea just how life altering it all is.

Thinking about my final semester of school, registering for NClEX, applying for jobs, and graduating has me longing for it to all SLOW DOWN. Don't get me wrong; part of me is jumping for joy at the prospects of being done. But the sentimental, afraid of change side is frantically trying to find the breaks.

I am doing my best to keep in mind that the end of nursing school isn't the end, it's just the close of this chapter. Turn the page, and a new one starts. Just because we are saying good bye at graduation doesn't mean it's forever.

I know there are classmates I won't ever see again, and others that I'll only see once in a blue moon. Still, there are those friends that I have come to cherish in my life, and utterly adore having them as part of me. These friends I will work very hard to not loose with the end of school.

For the time being, however, it's just a bit scary not knowing what is coming next. I look ahead at my future, and I have no idea what is going to happen beyond May. I don't know where I'll work, when I'll start, or where I'll live. I suppose I could look at this as a grand opportunity, and tackle it like a new adventure.