Like almost every college student across the nation, I am excited to return to school, but will really miss being at home. Tests, homework, tiny beds, and showering with shoes on are not the most enjoyable things in the world, but I think a lot of us forget how amazing this opportunity is. College is so much more than just a place to be taught how to do a job in the years to come. Yes, that is the big idea, but in my short time at my university, I have experienced and learned more than I ever thought I would.

For example, I have met so many diverse and amazing people. From classes to campus activities, new people are everywhere. I also found my best friends who double as future bridesmaids. Yes, I have those people back at home too, but college has blessed me with a few more beautiful, talented, crazy-like-me, loving souls. We are all so different and alike at the same time which makes for moments that are far from dull.

College has also taught me to accept and grow from my failures and disappointments. I received a pretty bad grade on my first nursing chemistry test that I studied hours, days, and weeks for. That was the first time I really felt discouraged because I was sure I had done well. With the help of my compassionate professor and amazing friends and family, I was able to get back up and try harder the next time.

College has also taught me balance. Mentally, socially, educationally, economically, you name it. I feel so much more in control than I ever did before and that is all thanks to the responsibility I have been given.

I have also grown up an incredible amount since move-in day. So many responsibilities were thrown at me the second my parents left me in my dorm, which I am now really thankful for. Things like scheduling doctors appointments were familiar to me, but moving to a new town was very different because every person, place, and thing was new and unfamiliar. I have really had to put myself out there and do things on my own which has been very rewarding.

College has taught me to face my obstacles head on. There have been really tough days where I felt overwhelmed and that I may have put too much on my plate, but I made it through because I chose to. I did not run home every time I felt defeated or homesick. I made myself stay and work hard even when I felt lost. I am a strong believer that sometimes you have to get lost in order to find yourself. Throwing in the towel and blaming others for your hardships is easy, but if you are going to make it in the real world, you cannot do that.

I am sure I will complain about tests and last minute homework assignments a few more times in the next three years, but at the end of the day I am so thankful for college and all that it has taught me thus far. Whether you are paying thousands of dollars each semester or are going to school for free, college is such an amazing blessing and opportunity. You are there for a reason even when you doubt yourself and are not really sure why. The price and difficulties will be worth it in the end. Always be thankful and say “yes” to new adventures and opportunities.