Freshman Year was a learning experience to say the least. We learned about new subjects, we learned about others, but most importantly we learned about ourselves. Sure, it wasn't an easy adjustment by any means, or even pleasant at all times, but one thing it was for sure is a thrill. I'm sure if you asked anyone if there was anything they could change about their college experience freshman year, it would maybe be how hard they studied, or how often they went out, but one thing no one would ever change is the lessons that we have learned.
This was the year that we made mistakes and found new friends in unlikely places. With every failed quiz or sleepless night we slowly found ourselves or who we wanted to be. I wouldn't change any calorie consumed on late night breakfast food binges, or copious amounts of papa johns. I would never regret empty gas tanks from adventures to rescue friends from who knows what. I would never erase the experience of the first time I walked on campus with my headphones in, soaking in the sun.
Freshman year was never promised to be easy or a walk in the park, and there were times when we cried together. But I can promise there was no one I would rather be crying with. Through adversity and hard times, and even times when we felt like giving up, something kept us going. While right now I can't exactly say what that force was, I know that it is within all of us.
Through this crazy roller-coaster ride of a first year, a fire was ignited within us all. I am certain that late night talks of changing the world and making a difference will be the ones we use in speeches and bedtime stories to children and others who may need the same inspiration we all found.
It seems this year has passed in the blink of an eye. Between blinks, flashes of laughter and hugs and tear stained pillows flutter behind the eyelids of all those who have experienced it. These are truly not only some of the best years of our lives, but the first years we have learned to appreciate the value of life.
Freshman year has taught me a lot of things, but perhaps the most important is the idea that we have a voice. We were given the tools and a platform to go forward and make a difference in the world. We were blessed with this knowledge and fueled with a hunger strong enough to guide us towards our dreams. There is no one I would rather accomplish these dreams with than the people I know now.
So freshman year, thank you for helping me realize all I am capable of. I hope to make you proud in the years to come.
