Dear Freshman Year,
It seems like just yesterday, I was running out to the stores with my mom to get the final items needed to make you a success. I packed my tiny car (and my parents’ SUV) and drove the seemingly endless route to meet you. And after loads of clothes, painted canvases, and boxes were unpacked, my parents left and it was just you and I. I’ll admit that sometimes you were a bit overwhelming, but in our short nine months, you have taught me a lot.
You have taught me how to be independent. Now, don’t get me wrong, I still appreciate (and need) the help of my parents and others, but you have shown me that even when it is just me, I will survive. However, I should probably apologize for the first months of the school year for the late nights. Getting to decide when my curfew was nice… for about two weeks, until I was absolutely dead from too many late nights. I like to think that I got the hang out making my own rules for myself, but I appreciate your patience.
From you I learned that it’s okay to not want to go out every weekend. Sure, hanging out with friends on a Friday is fun, but when Saturday morning calls an early wake-up, sometimes it’s best to stay in. And don’t even get me started on staying out late on Saturday nights when there’s a chemistry test Monday night and Sunday requires some serious cramming. You showed me that the kids who brag about getting trashed at some frat party and staying out 'til all hours of the night really aren’t cool. Some nights, hanging out and watching "Grey’s" is just as nice as those parties.
I learned that it’s okay to change your mind and to be selfish sometimes. Sure, I may have caught flack for changing my major already, but it's better to do it now during my first year versus three years down the road. Though changing my mind about my studies may not have made everyone happy, it overall is what made me happiest.
Because you happened, I know that it is okay to miss home and the people you are familiar with. I have lived in the same place my entire life, and graduated with the same kids I went to preschool with. Leaving my hometown to start my adventure with you was not an easy one, but it ultimately has been the best decision I could have made. I have had the opportunity to get to know people from across the country because of you. The distance you put between my previous memories made visits to my tiny town that much more meaningful.
Finally, it is because of you that I am excited for the next three years of my life. Going off to college was one of the scariest things I have done, but thanks to my first year at an amazing university, I cannot wait to see where my life will take me. So thank you, freshman year. I have learned a lot not only school-wise but also about myself. You were fun while you lasted, but I am beyond excited to leave you behind for bigger and better things.
