Last Friday, I gave a presentation as my last exam, walked back to my room, finished packing my belongings, and headed out the door to go home for Christmas break. I was excited to have a break and anxious to get on the road.

As I rushed out the door, I paused for a minute. I gazed into my quiet, tidy, and dark room and felt an overwhelming sense of thankfulness and peace. I gently closed my door and thought aloud, “One semester done.”

I then turned around, stood in the pitch-black room, and whispered a prayer. I ended up almost in tears as I thanked God for what he has done, is doing, and will do.

This semester has been better than I could have ever imagined. It started out a little rough but slowly transformed into an incredible experience. I have learned a lot, made wonderful friends, experienced cool opportunities, and grown tremendously in my walk with the Lord. I have no regrets about choosing UNC Charlotte. Here are just a few of the lessons I have learned throughout my first semester of college:

1. God will provide.

This semester has taught me that God keeps His promises, however, it may not be on my timeline. There are many things I asked God for as I entered college. There are things I have been asking God for since middle school. He doesn’t hand me everything I want right away, but He knows the perfect timing for things to come into my life.

There are prayers the Lord hasn’t answered yet, but I have no doubt that He will one day. I believe that if I am truly seeking His will, He will give me the desires of my heart. And if my desires are not in His will, He will take them away and give me peace.

2. Things take time.

On August 21st, 2016, I wrote in my journal: “I’m just down because I thought I would fall in love with college and I certainly haven’t.” I wrote these words three days after I moved in, and I still remember the foreign, empty, melancholy feeling I had. I did not foresee the sadness I would experience from a complete life change. Everything I had ever known was somewhat swept away in an instant, and it was extremely weird.

It is astounding to realize how much has changed. Now, I am beyond happy and fulfilled, but that contentment didn’t come in one day. It took a good amount of time for life in college to feel normal, much less wonderful. In discussion with my friends about various other topics, the importance of time keeps dancing into my mind. It sometimes stinks that it takes so long for seasons to change, but it is crucial to understand that good things take time.

3. Vulnerability is beautiful.

I have moved around a few times in my life, but the transition to college was the first time I have been confident enough to show my true colors from the beginning. I was intentional about presenting myself as who I truly am when first meeting someone at UNCC. As a result, I am not hiding behind a mask—my friends know and love me as Molly, and not anyone else.

My friends and I joke that we can have a normal conversation at the dining hall without getting into deep topics. Our talk always transforms from light-hearted discussion into solving the world’s problems. We talk about real struggles and cry with one another rather than slapping a smile on our face 24/7. We know each other’s happiest triumphs and ugliest trials, and we have become closer because of our openness.

4. Adventure is out there.

Everyone in my immediate family (except for me) is organized, deliberate, and cautious. We had a set routine, and life was predictable. This is a good thing, and I wouldn’t change anything about the past eighteen years, but it has been refreshing to introduce a little spontaneity into my life.

I love when my friends and I take off to coffee shops in Charlotte and go on spontaneous road trips. These things are small, but they have collectively created hilarious and amazing memories. Also, college has given me the audacity to chase my dreams. Seeing the passion and motivation of everyone around me has pushed me to adventure and explore everything this world has to offer. I am stepping out of my comfort zone and saying “yes” to opportunities I would have been terrified of before college.

Those are just four out of a million lessons I have learned in my first semester. I am in awe of the Lord’s goodness and presence each day. I know every semester of college is not going to be all rainbows and butterflies—hard times will come. But, I surrender my plans to Christ because His way is far superior to mine. I can’t wait to see what is yet to come. One semester down, and seven more to go!