Over the past few weeks, my college experience has been impacted by the amazing people around me. Because of them, I have smiled more, and I have felt myself living a happier lifestyle. Although I have been extremely stressed, I find myself laughing and feeling like my life is finally coming together. However, it wasn’t always this way for me.

After graduating high school, I was eager to get to Ohio State. It was my first choice for college, and I could not be more excited to be a Buckeye. I knew that the experiences I had at Ohio State would shape the rest of my life. As summer went on, I became more and more excited for the new adventure that was waiting for me. When the time finally came for me to pack and leave for my new home in Columbus, I was nervous, but at the same time, filled with joy. Upon arriving at Ohio State, I was already picturing what my life would be like here.

However, as the semester progressed, I found myself not enjoying Ohio State as much as I thought that I would. I felt like I was not making genuine connections with people that I was meeting. This was a big problem for me. By the end of the fall semester, I found myself not nearly as excited to go back after winter break. I was not sure where my place was at Ohio State, and I became very anxious about this.

Flash forward to now, about a year later from this version of myself. First of all, I would just like to say that I have seen myself transform completely over the past year. From branching out and joining a sorority, participating in more student organizations, and beginning a new job, I know that I have made Ohio State truly feel like home. Aside from these changes, I have also seen myself gain relationships and friendships that I know will last a lifetime. After my first semester at Ohio State, I did not know if I would meet, what everyone seemed to call, “my people.” However, a year later, these people are definitely present in my life.

When I think about finding “my people” in college, I think about laughter, love, support, sisterhood, and the memories that I have made. With the people in my life who I know will be there whenever I need them, I feel invincible. I feel like I can achieve anything that I put my mind too. I feel safe from the burdens in my life because I know that I have people to rely on. Finding the people in college that I an be my undeniable self with is something that I hope all people find in some aspect of their lives.

Although finding “my people” in college was not immediate, I wouldn’t change my experience. Because of my experience, I have been able to grow stronger, and my friendships have shaped my life and impacted me in so many positive ways. With “my people,” I know that I can be me, and they will accept me for who I am and who I want to become. What could be more special than that?