It all started this time last year, trying to figure out where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. The decision became clear, shopping began, and before we knew it, it was August. Thus began the moving in process and the first day of classes. They say college is hard, it’s a different ballgame for sure but it’s manageable and survivable.
This past week I ended my first year of college, it had it’s ups and downs. It was a rocky start in the beginning, I didn’t really know what I was doing or what to expect, I’d never been away from home so moving an hour and a half away seemed like forever. To say the least, I was apprehensive about the whole college experience. After about the first week, you tend to get into the swing of things and it becomes like a regular routine.
As time passed, it kept getting better, yes, mistakes were made but so were some great memories with some surreal people. Freshman year wasn’t easy by any means, but it was definitely a year I won’t forget. This past year I learned so much, not just academically but about myself. I learned that it’s okay to make my own decisions, do my own thing, and not be a people pleaser. I met some of my best friends this past year and now I can’t imagine my life without them. Academically, the first semester was strenuous and difficult, I struggled with still learning the ins and outs of the campus as well as with some of my classes. Some may tell you college is a series of misfortunate events, now isn’t that the truth at least from my experiences it is. Things don’t always go the way we want them to causing stress and failure but that doesn’t make it the end of the world.
Second semester rolled around and it was so much better than the last. Of course, it wasn’t perfect, but whose college experience is? My freshman year was interesting to say the least. I experienced some things that I wouldn’t have going to some other universities such as UTA. I experienced bonfires, s’mores, learning to fish, and getting to watch people hunt. Coming from a larger city to a much smaller one has its advantages. There isn’t much to do in Stephenville, you have to make your own fun, but I wouldn’t trade all the good times for the world.
Thank you freshman year for showing me that there is so much more to the college experience other than living in my room, sometimes your neighbors can turn out to be some of your best friends, it’s okay to have an opinion, and to put yourself out there from time to time, and kindness really does count. Thank you freshman year for giving me a family I didn’t know I needed. They say time flies and college is going to be over before you know it, one word of advice to you, don’t blink or you’ll miss it. Freshman year was one for the books, but it went by quick.
My freshman year of college has come to an end, finals are over, and I’m back at home for the summer. So here’s to freshman year, the good, the bad, the ups, the downs, and the misfortunate.
Cheers to freshman year, can’t wait to see what the next year has in store.
