Coming to Benedictine College, I was so excited! The first couple of weeks were pretty close to what I expected, and the more I settled into my life at school, I started to realize that I was doing some things I would never have thought I would.

1. I nap more than I ever thought I would.

I thought I would be up all hours of the night, but that didn't happen. Classes drain you, and you will see yourself napping a lot more.

2. I spend significantly more money.

Allowances and summer jobs will mean nothing when you go to college. You think that you can save $100, but bank accounts are like vacuums in college. One day you have a lot, the next day it's all gone.

3. I became caffeine dependent.

My senior year of high school, I drank my fair share of coffee. It's not great, but coming to college just made my dependence on coffee a lot worse.

4. I got into college sports.

Coming to college, I had no idea I would get so into college sports. In high school I was always playing the sport, so I couldn't be a fan. Now I've come to realize that college athletic events are some of the best displays of school pride and it's so cool to be a part of that.

5. I would change my major.

Changing my major felt like a waste of time and I drove myself crazy trying not to. I was bound and determined to get a Theology degree. Ultimately, though, I discovered change is OK, and declared New Evangelization.

6. I would learn how to do things on my own.

Having flat tires, bills to pay, and cleaning to do, I needed to start learning some things. No one was going to do it for me anymore.

7. I would meet my best friends.

I wasn't optimistic. It only took a semester, but not only are we best friends but we're roommates too.

8. I've smiled more than ever before.

I've made so many friends since being here, and we've had so many insane, wonderful and completely random adventures!

9. I would listen to a lot more music.

Having seven roommates this year, at times, two songs would be playing at the same time. Even if you don't like it, someone in Kansas will be playing country music and you will hear it.

10. I started calling Atchison home.

This was the one I really never saw coming. I always thought that my hometown would be home, which it still really is. However, I do have a home attachment to Atchison, and there's no other way I would want that.