For the past three years, I’ve been attending college at a state public school here in the good ole state of Wisconsin. Just living in Wisconsin is pretty interesting, but going to college is as well.

Entering college, I already had an image of it thanks to the countless movies and television shows that I watched along with the books that I have read. I knew that it would be somewhat different.

I was nervous to attend college. I was to a really small school. Where I grew up with the same people from age five to age eighteen. I knew my way around. I could take three different ways (more or less) to get to one place. I didn’t need a GPS, and I knew the street names by heart. My family also lived in the area or close by. My church was in the next town over. I can be shy, and making friends can be hard at times for me.

So, starting over in a new town wasn’t going to be easy.

But at the same time, I was also excited to start over, and truly find myself. Yes, I would miss my home, the safeness, being comfortable, my friends, and my family, but it was time to step out of my box because stepping out of one's box is how you grow. I wanted to go to college for so many reasons, and looking back at it all, I’m glad I made the decision to go. I’m grateful for my college education because I know some don’t get this opportunity.

My first year of college was my least favorite year if I’m being honest. I was adjusting to college life, making friends, and checking things out. I wanted to get plugged in, but at the same time, I didn’t want to burn myself out. Eventually, I did find my rhythm. In my first year, I learned a lot. Both inside the classroom and outside of it. My first year of college might have been my least favorite, but I also have some of my favorite memories from my first year of college.

Watching movies until three in the morning, going to football games, meeting my best friend, becoming friends with people that are from different parts of the world, eating pizza, going to Walmart, having deep conversations and weird conversations in the early hours of the morning, and so much more. My first year taught me that college that it wasn’t going to be easy, but it’s also going to be a great time. That it’s going to be worth it.

My second and third years of college are probably tied for the favorite year. There were some downs, but mostly ups. I started to find myself. For the first time, I wasn’t afraid to be a hundred percent myself because the right people accepted me for who I am. I learned a couple lessons through the tough times, and it made me become a better person.

I’m still changing and becoming the better version of myself every day. Or at least, I’m trying to. I got to really know people, and get closer to a few of them. We have each other's back on this crazy ride called life. Of course, there was still getting to meet new people, eating pizza, Walmart trips, late night rides, car rides, deep and weird conversations, sports games, doing a lot of homework, going to class, and having fun.

This year is my third year, and I have a car with me this year. For me, I live on one side of campus, but my car is on the other. It’s not that far of a walk, but sometimes I wish that I was closer. When I’m walking back to my dorm, I pass a lot of buildings, and every building has a spot in my heart. In all the craziness, it makes me stop, and take a deep breath.

I start to appreciate life and going to college again. There are times where I complain, and wonder if this whole college thing is worth it. But in times like me walking back to my dorm from my car, it reminds me that it’s all worth it.

In all honesty, college does have its cons. It can be stressful, and full of drama. It’s not always easy. There are times of hardship. But there are so many more pros. Making friends and memories are just two of them. I know that college isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay.

But here’s a little inside look at this college student’s life.