I had absolutely no idea what college would be like. I would wake up each day as a senior in high school, knowing I could never live in Maine permanently, yet tossing and turning with thoughts of where I would end up.

After twenty three college applications, I remember feeling so accomplished, yet so unaccomplished at the same time. I didn’t know where I would end up, which turn my life would take, and what my future would be like.

Six months later, after years of dedicating everything to my education, learning opportunities, and opportunities for adventure and self-findings, I found myself in a car filled with luggage on my way to Syracuse, New York.

On the path to discovering what exactly I wanted in life, I had chosen to attend Syracuse University, unaware of the future experiences I would come across, amazing friends I would soon meet, and experiences I would get to encounter.

With my last Dunkin' coffee I would have for awhile, I took my last sip and dozed off to sleep for hours—soon waking up in the city of Syracuse.

I remember opening my eyes and seeing the city, one that I had only visited once for a college tour, and one that seemed so different from the cities in Maine. I took some selfies filled with nervousness and excitement, unaware that in just a few weeks they would all turn to excitement—as the feeling of being in my true “element” was just around the corner.

After a few tears and an extreme pit in my stomach and knot in my throat, all accompanied with sad goodbyes, my family began to head back home and the semester had started.

I had no idea this would be the most life-altering semester I would ever go through.

As it is now February, I realize exactly how much I have done. I’ve developed an entire first semester portfolio with clothing from fashion design, written for the Odyssey for a semester, participated in a fashion group on campus, as well as a fashion magazine, made an amazing amount of friends, and the best part—have stopped caring so much about everything.

I used to care about absolutely everything. I would care about the looks I would receive, about how I’d present myself to other people; about making myself appear perfect—with no flaws. Recently, I have learned how fun it can be to let my guard down some and just live.

I never thought I would see myself walking outside in a pair of sweatpants or full workout attire ready to go about my day, yet that was until last semester I realized I could.

I reached a point where I knew I could pull off anything as long as I paired it with confidence, and after embracing this, I have noticed the biggest shift. I no longer care so much about the little things, as my comfort and happiness is most important. Spending an hour and a half getting ready in the morning is not so much in my favor anymore. Yes, I’ll do it sometimes, but it has been much less.

Going through the first semester of college has taught me so much about myself that I didn’t even know before.

With this ability to grow into the person I want to be, I have recognized I don’t want to take life so seriously, and how truly important it is to do what makes me happy. As I’m onto my second semester, I can vouch for the fact that your new lifestyle, experiences, and way of life will all show your true colors during your first year of college, and it is one of the best experiences.