It was a year ago that I too was the nervous freshman getting ready to go to my first college class. I don't think that I was nervous about anything other than it being college professors. I have been lucky and have had mostly great professors.

I was excited about not having to be in a classroom from 8:00 a.m to 3:15 p.m. with the same 50 people I had spent my past 14 years with. Don't get me wrong, I loved being in my small-town private school, but I was ready to get out of that school. I graduated and next thing I knew I was through with my first semester of college. My family had some surprising news when we were getting ready for the Thanksgiving break, but let me tell you, we have some strong fighting people in my family who won't give up. With all the fuss, next thing I knew it was time for my second college semester. I was extremely proud of myself for having better grades than I did in high school. I can tell you that semesters fly by and final exams sneak up on you faster than you could believe. It was important for me to keep it somewhat together. I learned that it is okay to not have it together if you can just step back and take a breath, and not be overrun by the stress of finals. Flashcards are your best friend, it is true they will get you through a tough semester! I got through finals. It may not have been easy, but I pushed through and my second semester was over.

I couldn't believe it, and I know my mom couldn't either. Summer has been busy. Friends came back to town, I had a few beach trips, a lot of adventures with one of my best friends, I bought a horse and got a puppy for my birthday. It was a good summer, but it flew by and now it's almost time to go back to school.

For those freshman coming in next week, don't blink.