February 10th changed my life and 13,214 others' as well. When I got accepted into the University of Florida, I knew my life was about to change. The days leading up to the Summer B semester were filled with anxiety and not-knowing. I'd always felt comfortable in life; nothing too outlandish ever occurred to me where I had to step out of my comfort zone. College, I knew, would be one of those things that would test this ideal.

June 22nd, I entered Cypress Hall and nervescrept up on down my spine. Being thrown into this new lifestyle so quickly caused me to doubt myself. The question “Did I make the right decision coming here?” replayed over and over in my head. I thought about expressing my concern to my parents, but I stopped myself and said out loud, “No”. This is going to be my life and as I endeavor in this new adventure I need to make decisions for myself and break the 'comfort cycle'.

June 23rd, I embarked on my mission of ending the 'comfort cycle' and wow, did it feel good. As I liberated myself from the fears that college brings like making new friends, passing classes, and taking time to myself, I quickly realized how idiotic it was to hold myself back from such an experience. Worrying about classes were over and I went out more than I normally would and found myself doing better by not pressuring myself into set study times I thought were necessary to do well in school. I carried the same mindset into the Fall semester and again, the same result.

September 29th, I rushed Alpha Epsilon Pi, a huge breach of my comfort zone, which allowed me to find and meet new people I never imagined would end up becoming my forever friends. It was an adrenaline high for me to venture out and see what life had to offer. If I failed, who’s judging? This is college, let the mistakes roll. To look forward to the place I worked so hard at to be is something so fulfilling and enriching.

To all the students who are going back January 8th and don’t feel as comfortable as I do, I say find your niche. College is all about exploring yourself and testing new limits. Break free from your bubble that once enclosed you and delve deep into what interests you. Skip a study session, and go to Lake Wauburg. Screw your diet, and grab a TRIENTA at the never-ending line at the Marston Starbucks. Get out of the dining hall and indulge in Social’s $5 Mac and Cheese on Wednesdays. Step away from your daily norms because you’re only going to do this once. Eradicate your comfort and be the person you only see in the movies. Mess up, fix yourself, and mess up again. You got this and have a whole four more years to make this time unforgettable.