I entered college in a relationship with a boy I swore I was going to marry. We had our college situation planned out, but like most relationships entering a new environment, it failed.

I was thrown into this big new world of college by myself, unsure of what I was doing or where I would fit in. I spent many nights crying over my loneliness and uncertainty. I have always been a ‘relationship person,’ but this break up felt final in a different way than ever before. I knew it would be a while before I truly loved someone else enough to be in a relationship with them. My loneliness was limiting me for weeks after the breakup, but ultimately it’s what saved me.

For the first time, I had to do everything for myself. I got out of bed every morning because I needed to, not because someone else needed me to. I starting going to bed when I wanted to because I didn’t need to wait for someone else to get tired. I was able to hang out with who I wanted, when I wanted because there wasn’t anyone there to find it weird or suspicious. For the first time, I started to want to do things for myself.

I started running when I was stressed because I didn’t feel like I needed to share my problems with anyone else. I could let them disappear with every step I took throughout my campus streets. I began going to Mass unwaveringly because I didn’t feel like I had better things to do during that time, such as talk to or spend time with my significant other. I was able to start exploring clubs and opportunities that I previously wouldn’t have because of the time commitment.

Most importantly, it allowed me to make my campus my own. I am now free to roam wherever I want without hesitation.

I have met SO MANY amazing people since I’ve been at college. I’m not saying that it’s my ex-boyfriend’s fault that I didn’t originally meet as many people as I have since we broke up, but it is definitely a factor. I am now able to talk to whoever I want, which has resulted in me spending time with such a variety of people that I would have never previously imagined.

I have met people who have been deployed in the Army, stellar athletes, people from all over America, and some of the Godliest friends I have ever had. I have met people from all walks of life, majors, religions and personalities.

God turned something that I thought was going to permanently crush my soul into one of the best opportunities of my life. Although He took away one of my favorite people, He has blessed me with so many new ones that care for me unendingly. I know that God has a plan for my life, and even though I may not always understand or love it, He is working everything for my benefit. College is my time to find my bridesmaids, without any need to find my husband.