Three years ago my parents dropped me off at my college campus, with a new laptop, a twin xl bedspread, and some packages of Ramen Noodles. And somehow this thrust me into "adulthood" as if owning a shower caddy and a new student ID gave you the sudden ability to transform from a seventeen-year-old to a "grown-up" who knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life, and how she was going to accomplish it. Fun fact: she didn't, and sometimes, she still doesn't.
But in the years since, I feel like I've grown a little more into that "adult" role. I know what I want to demand out of my own life. I have aspirations, career goals, and personal triumphs that I hope one day come to fruition. I have a plan. Yeah, sometimes it's a really messy plan. Sure, sometimes I still feel like I'm five playing dress up in my Mom's closet, pretending to be a grown woman who knows what the heck she's doing. But something about being halfway through my senior year of college reminds me that I have it a little more figured out than I used to.
I'm not always 100% confident in everything I've done while I've been here, but there's one thing I am certain of, attending the University of Kentucky was the best choice I could have made--and it shows.
One thing I've had the opportunity to do in my time in college is to teach UK 101, a class for freshman that teaches students to implement successful academic strategies, learn to get involved on campus, and how to make the most of their time at the University of Kentucky. This semester was my third time being a peer-instructor for the course, and on Tuesday, I finished my last class with the students. And while I got up every week in front of 25 students and talked about my experience, at UK and in doing so, it taught me so much about my own college career and reminded me of what I've learned along the way.
Start your college adventure with confidence, but don't forget where you came from...
Remember the house (and the hometown) that built you.
...and who you're leaving behind as you go.
Call home often. You're mom wants to hear your voice, and though you may not realize it, you need to hear hers to.
Get involved
As soon, and as much as possible. In teaching lessons on student involvement, I was reminded of why I joined my sorority, became a volunteer service dog sitter, offered to write for my school newspaper, became an ambassador for my college, and looked for opportunities to plug into campus.
And on that note, don't be afraid to try something that you never thought you would
Going into college, I never thought of myself as being a "sorority girl". But when I got to UK and met strong, compassionate, smart, independent, service-minded Greek women, I knew I wanted to become one.
Find ways to give back to your campus community
Volunteering on my campus and the surrounding city has given me a sense of community that I was scared I would lose when I left home for college.
You can study all you want, but you won't really succeed until you pursue a degree in a field you care about
Don't do it unless you absolutely love it. I was happiest when I was taking classes that I really cared about--and my grades showed it.
Find your people
The friends you make in college are unlike any that you made before, and will make after. Hold on to them.
Learning to speak well in front of people is a really valuable skill
So so crucial, no matter where you go in life.
Explore the city that your university is located in
Learn what makes it special. Find your favorite place. Eventually, it will become your second home.
Have school spirit; be proud of your university
You picked your school because it was the right place for you. Wear your team's jersey, scream the fight song and remember why you were so excited to go there in the first place.
Pursue every opportunity
Apply for the internship you thought you wouldn't get. Take the really hard class that you think you can't pass. You may just surprise yourself.
Remember who you are and grow into the person you were meant to become
College is a journey that leads you to become who you are supposed to be.
man running in forestPhoto by 
