It feels as if it was yesterday that I arrived at Cal State Fullerton with a bunch of luggage and a scared look on my face. My mom had made my bed for the last time in a while, and I was about to say good bye before my parents drove back to Riverside, and I wouldn't see them for a few months. I remember I cried trying to fall asleep that night. Here I am, 10 months later, about to take my Spring semester finals, and go back home to Riverside for the summer.

My freshman year was amazing. There is no doubt about that. Unfortunately, I know that some people can't say the same as I can. Some freshmen entered college thinking that they would get everything they wanted out of their first year, only to be disappointed. I even had a lot of things I wanted to accomplish my first year that I wasn't able to, but there were so many things I did accomplish that what I didn't get to do didn't matter to me anymore.

One year ago, I was a senior in high school, excited to move out and start over in college, and I'm fairly certain that almost all high school seniors right now feel the same. The point of me writing this isn't to tell you what to do to have a good freshman experience in college, but rather, what I experienced my freshman year that made it so amazing.

I missed my parents.

This is a strange point to start off with, but something that really grew me as a person, and as an adult, was appreciating my parents. I never truly saw the sacrifices that my parents made for me until I entered college. When my parents left me on that first day, even though they were only an hour away, I missed them. I thought about them more and I thought about everything they did for me to raise me and to keep me educated and healthy. I thought about the times they left work because I wasn't feeling well in school. I thought about the times that they said they were proud of me for getting an award or a scholarship. I wanted to show my appreciation to them so much more, so I made it a point to avoid arguing with them or giving them a hard time when I went back home to visit.

I got involved in an organization.

Whether it be a sorority, fraternity, business club, anime club - anything, getting involved in college is a nice break from all the studying, and a place where you can find some long lasting friends. I joined the Circle K International club at CSU Fullerton because I had been in Key Club International back in high school, and it really grew me as an individual and leader. I found a home away from home and I saw my ideas put into action. I developed my speaking skills, my creative skills and professional skills. I wore a business suit for the first time, which was pretty cool. A majority of my friends come from CKI, and I woudn't have it any other way. I found people who shared the same passion for community service as I did, and learned so much from people who were more experienced than I am. I'm not telling you to join CKI (maybe I am since I am the Public Relations Chair for this upcoming term), but find your niche. There are thousands of people in college, but you'll only meet a fraction of them, so go find those people who truly make you feel at home.

I studied. A lot.

College classes aren't like high school and middle school. You can't sleep through a class and expect to get an A, especially your major classes (classes that are required for your major). College is not an easy A. You won't understand everything the first time. You actually have to read the textbook to understand some things. Sometimes, you have to go to office hours to get extra help when you're confused. I studied a lot because I knew that if I didn't study often and consistently, that I'd be stressed when it came to finals and midterms, trying to cram so much information into my head, when I could have gotten a head start weeks ago. It's going to be so tempting to not study and go out with your friends, or to put off studying and doing homework, but trust me, it will be worth it. Prioritize school. A 4.0 is not easily obtained, and definitely not easily kept.

I experienced many new things.

I had my first adventure in LA with friends. I stayed out at Seaside past 2 AM. I had a gym membership that I used (somewhat). I helped build a playground. I spent 3 days and 2 nights in Sonora. I made new friends from all over Orange County. I spent too much money on food. I slept on a cold, wood floor in a church in Pasadena. I applied for positions that I got rejected. I applied for positions that I got accepted. I got my first D on a test. I had my first job interview. I had my first job.

There is nothing about my freshman year that I would change. It didn't completely turn out the way I planned though, but I wouldn't have it any other way. So, to you who all who are entering the last summer before college, I tell you this:

College is what you make of it. It doesn't matter if you get into your dream college or not. Sometimes, it's not about the place, but the people. I found so much that I wasn't even looking for, and I loved every bit of it. I hope that, no matter where you go, and what you experience, your freshman year will be your own.