The first semester of my freshman year may have been one of the silliest choices I have ever made. I never had a "dream" college, and the closest and cheapest school seemed to fit the bill just fine. For me, Florida State University just meant a getting out of high school and getting to take charge of my life. Little did I know, I was swarmed by Seminoles who never allowed me to find my place.

While my Christian faith was strengthening, so were the principles I decided to hold myself to. The number one party school in the nation was the opposite of everything I ever wanted or needed; I felt stuck in the middle of Greek life, drinking, partying, and people who just felt fake. I did meet a few genuine people, and I owe them everything for allowing me to survive that season of life. Not only that, but I found a home within a Christian fraternity. These elements proved that God was on my side, and that I was simply being tested in the strength of my faith.

I spent most of my days and nights in my room by myself, while my closest friends were scattered across the country having the best time of their lives. I went to class, went to the gym, and the cycle never ended. A good portion of the people I tried to be friends with never understood why I don't drink, smoke, or hookup. It didn't help either that I lived in a party dorm where the bass never stopped dropping. Everyone simply followed the crowd and let their high school selves fall behind. But I had my mind and eyes set on something greater.

For a girl with anxiety, the behavior around me just made me feel uncomfortable. I refused to even try to go out because I knew where it would lead: a night with a panic attack and mascara running down my cheeks. Tallahassee is a pretty dull town outside of FSU, so finding normal things to do became a challenge. I tried to take up a few new hobbies, and I would go to university-led events to try and make friends. I never found happiness in any of these, but I did find out a few things about myself.

I'm grateful that God listens to prayers and creates a safe path for His children.

Before my adventure at FSU, I had never truly been exposed to typical college life. That all seems logical, but I had never truly been devoted to God. I learned to pray each night to take me from my situation, and God led me to Liberty University. He knew I was strong, and allowed me to stay safe throughout all things.

I have to tell myself not to worry about temporary things.

My relationship became long distance when I moved away, and my life became a constant countdown to when I was going to see my other half again. I knew it was all temporary, and it will all be organized and back into place. Now we're studying at the same university, and we have never felt better as a couple. I also knew that Thanksgiving and Christmas break weren't too far away. If I could survive a semester, I could survive anything bigger or smaller, knowing God has me wrapped in His arms.

The life that surrounds me can't be the life that defines me.

Just because my neighbors and almost everyone I came across took part of drinking and substance abuse, doesn't mean that I had to take part. I can stand tall without it, and I can learn to say no. I can be independent of them and make friends with people of my own choosing. The environment around me can't hold me down and it certainly cannot define who I am.

FSU may have been a test of limits, but I certainly passed. I know that I can handle it all, whatever is thrown at me. God is not afraid to test you; He just wants to know how faithful you are to Him. Never forget the power of prayer and understand that every season of life happens for a reason. Going to Florida State University was a secret blessing, and I know to count my blessings as they come.