It’s that time of year again—the time when the seniors go crazy.

Some will be partying every night, thinking that their time is done and that they need to go out with a bang. Others will be frantically trying to finish their capstone projects and just trying to make it to the finish line without ripping their hair out.

I’ve been asked a lot in the last week, “What advice do you have for those who are just coming to Simpson? Or for those who aren’t graduating?”

My advice is simple: Keep your priorities in line.

My Simpson Experience has been unique—one that doesn’t contain Mojo’s or The Zoo on a weekly , or even monthly, basis. One that doesn’t contain apartment parties or being busted by the Indianola Police Department or Simpson Security.

We all come to college for a reason—and it’s my assumption that that reason isn’t to drink our livers, kidneys and other vital organs away. We come to learn, and everything else just falls into place.

As I prepare to walk across the stage in two weeks and shake hands with President John Byrd, take pictures with my classmates, move out of my apartment and move on with the rest of my life—I keep reminding myself to keep my priorities in line.

I see my classmates (perhaps hear may be the more appropriate sense) chomping at the bit to get their diplomas. I hear their drunken adventures outside my apartment while I’m updating my website for my capstone or studying for a religion exam. Do I envy them? Absolutely not.

So, what do I advice for those who will still be in college or who are just embracing the Simpson Experience?

Remember why you came to college. Embrace the knowledge and hard work that it’s going to take to get to your graduation date, and don’t let the temptation of a drunken night (or nights) take away from what’s actually going to get you places in life.

I’m not saying to be all work and no play—but don’t forget that you have to work, too, in order to get where you want to be in life.

You can’t just go out drinking every night and hope that someone else will do the work for you.

I wish the best of luck to the class of 2012 with your future endeavors—let’s finish strong and show those who will remain at Simpson just how strong our class is.

Be safe these last few weeks and keep your eye on the prize. We’re almost there.

Katie is a senior multimedia journalism major. She is editor in chief of The Simpsonian and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa.