With the start of a new semester comes new opportunities and new adventures. After winter break, high school kids are crying tears of sadness because they have to go back to school. After winter break, college kids are crying tears of happiness because they get to go back to school, be with their best friends and away from their overbearing parents. With this being said, there are some certain things I am excited for as a new semester approaches.

1. Being surrounded by all of my friends.

Being at home with the family during breaks are great. I love being in my hometown, seeing my best friend from high school and spending countless hours in bed with my dog. Being with my mom and dad after a stressful semester was just the re-energizer that I needed. However, that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t itching to get back to school and see all my best friends all throughout break. I cannot wait to be living with all of my sisters again and only being a four minute walk away from my little rather than a four hour drive from her. I love knowing that I will always be surrounded by people who love me unconditionally.

2. Having people to get food with.

At school there is always someone to eat with whether it is 10 a.m. on a Saturday morning after a wild night out or midnight on a Wednesday night. People always want to eat and there is always some place on or off campus that can help out with your appetite. At home, I would eat alone, making endless amounts of noodles and mac and cheese. Yeah, it was nice to get away from campus food, but everyone needs some lunchtime company once in a while. And don’t even get me started on the fact that there is nothing I can do if I am hungry at 2 a.m. while at home compared to at school. Nothing beats late night food.

3. Going out.

This one is pretty self explanatory. Let me just say winter break was a long three weeks away from college life.

4. Getting back to classes.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know what everyone is thinking. I’m excited to start attending classes again? Well, to be honest with you, yes I am. Every day I go to class is one day closer I am to my future. I cannot wait to be a teacher and every semester that passes means I just keep getting closer and closer to my dream of teaching in my very own classroom. I enjoy learning about how to be the best possible teacher I can and, honestly, I am excited to start using my brain again. There is only so much Netflix one can watch without going a little crazy.

5. Growing.

No, I don’t mean getting bigger. In fact, this semester I would like to lose a pound or two. When I say I am excited to grow I mean I am excited to keep finding myself. I feel as though each time I come home from college after a semester away I find myself to be happier, healthier and more mature. College is helping to transform me into the person I want to be along with the person who I will be the rest of my life. I have learned so many life lessons during my three semesters at BG and I can’t wait to keep developing into the person I want to be. No matter how many books I read over break, firsthand experience is truly the only way to learn and grow.

There is no place like home and I will always be excited to come home and spend time with my family. However, college holds a special place in my heart. I love my little college town and all the friendships I have created there. Slowly, Bowling Green has become my second home. I enjoyed my time at home over break to regroup after a semester of hard work and a little play on the side; it was just what I needed. I’ll miss my parents, my big bed and being able to cuddle with my dog whenever I want when I leave for school tomorrow, but right now, being back at school is just what I need. I am excited for this semester along with what it will bring. Fingers crossed for a 4.0 and a lot of fun.