When I first started at Murray State University, it was Fall of 2015 and I was an incoming transfer student. I was excited to start a new adventure in my life. This was my first time moving away from home and being independent. During my first semester, I experienced what every other new student would experience: I met new people, went to social events, participated in groups, explored the city and was training for my first half-marathon (well, not everyone was doing this); this was my prime semester.

At the end of my first semester, I had completed my first half-marathon, but injured myself in the process. I was starting to feel home sick and that was affecting me mentally and physically. Since I had injured myself, I wasn't able to run as much as I used to, and because of that I gained a lot of weight. Even though I was going through all these changes, the one thing I was thankful for was meeting this wonderful man who is still in my life today, and because of him my life turned out differently than I expected.

Once the next semester hit, I was starting to get more ill. I had never been that ill before and I knew that this was different than the average stomach bug. Come to find out, I had a bad case of mono. For those of you who don't know, mono can last in your system for months and even when you're starting to feel better, you aren't; this destroyed all my confidence. I was laying in bed feeling hopeless and insecure. I wasn't able to go out and do anything because I didn't have the energy to do so.

Once summer time finally came around I began to feel better, but the confidence I once had was gone. I didn't feel like the same person anymore. I struggled with bad depression and anxiety, and still do. If it wasn't for my wonderful man, things would have played out differently. Because of him, I learned to believe in myself again.

After the summer ended, I started to find my confidence that I had once lost. Although, my life was completely different than before, I started to believe in something bigger; I believed in my future. For the first time, I wasn't worried about the "what if's" in life; I was starting to make decisions that would only better my future. I still get discouraged every now and then, but who doesn't? nobody is perfect, so why should I try to be?

Today, I have the confidence to succeed in life. I strive to be the best person I can be, and if I make a mistake, then that's fine. I've learned that you can't please everyone, no matter how hard you try. The only person you should focus on pleasing, is yourself. Your happiness and health matter the most. Start believing in something bigger; start believing in yourself, because once you do you'll realize that you have a bright future ahead of you.