Being a student at Mississippi State University has been incredible, but I wish I had more time. Hopefully by graduation in May 2020, I will leave school feeling satisfied with my time in Starkville, and that I lived it to its full potential. As a transfer student, our time is cut shorter than most, so we have to make more of an effort to fulfill our college experience in the time allotted.

I transferred from Hinds Community College to Mississippi State in the fall of 2018. I lived with my childhood best friend and two other girls I graduated with, but didn't know much about. Looking back on my first year at the university, there were so many regrets I had about not "going for it."

I regret not becoming more involved with the university. College is a grand time, but you have to remember the reason for being there: to graduate and get a big girl job. Good grades are not the only thing potential employers are looking for. Involvement in school enhances your resume and allows you to meet new people and make friends, which I missed out on. Now, in my second and last year at MSU, I have to pick up the slack. There are so many clubs and organizations on campus that students can enjoy and relate to if they just put in the effort.

I regret missing out on football games in the student section. Last fall, I tailgated in the Junction at every home game, but only twice did I actually go in the stadium and enjoy the game live-action. At the time, it didn't bother me so much, I was following the crowd. If my friends weren't going into the game then why would I? However, I'm hoping this year plays out differently. I spent money on season tickets, and I plan on supporting the Dawgs from the stadium as much as possible. If you like sports, go to the games. You are only a student once.

I regret not branching out. Being a transfer student is hard. Freshman year is the time to make new friends and become close with a lot of people, and I wish I had that opportunity. Most people in class already have their friends, making it difficult to get to know someone, at least for me it is. I had to get over the fear of thinking, "They already have their friends, so why would they want to talk to me?" People are nicer than you think. Talk to the people in your classes, exchange phone numbers; it makes a difference.

If you are a transfer student wanting to rush, then do it! Rush is not just for freshmen. I so badly wish I could have been in a sorority, it's definitely easier to make friends that way. However, my wallet couldn't support the sorority dues, and that's okay. If rushing is not for you, don't be dismayed. It may seem like college is run by the students in sororities and fraternities, but it's quite the opposite. There are still friends to be made outside of Greek life.

Looking back, there are a plethora of things I would have done differently, but I still look at it as one of the best times of my life thus far. We were homebodies, but that's how I became best friends with my roommates and neighbors. We spent time cooking, baking, laughing, crying, and just trying to survive college. Those strangers quickly evolved into the people I tell everything to. I can't wait for another year of memories with them, and I look forward to creating that same close bond with my new roommates.

If you are a current or upcoming transfer student, use your time wisely. Seize every day and make crazy memories. You will only regret the things you didn't do.