Freshman year seems like it only just began, and now it's over.

It feels like yesterday that I was a junior in high school visiting colleges in search of my dream school that I would attend for the next four years of my life.

It's also crazy to think that it has almost been a year since I graduated and started packing up my room to move into Temple.

My anxiety was through the roof, especially in the days leading up to move-in at the end of August. I remember being so nervous about beginning this new chapter of my life because I don't like when things change. I had to live away from home, say goodbye to my friends, and adjust to a whole new way of living far different than what I was used to.

I was so worried that I'd get lost trying to find my classes on the first day of the semester because the campus used to feel so big to me. I was also scared that I wouldn't be able to handle the stress and workload of my classes or have a social life. I really hoped that I wasn't wrong about Temple being my dream school.

Fast forward nine months; now, I know where everything is located on campus, I feel comfortable with my surroundings, and I love being a Temple Owl. All of my professors were great, and the homework was actually manageable. I figured out which food places I like, where to get the best bagels, and I established a daily routine that balanced academics and my social life.

Throughout this year, I realized that all of these changes that I once feared ended up being the greatest of my life. I made a lot of new friends, did well in all of my classes, maintained a 3.8 GPA, and got into a new, stable relationship that has been thriving for eight months!

I think it's safe to say my freshman year ended on a good note. Finals are out of the way, there are no more essays to stress out over, and group projects are finally done (thank God, they're the worst).

My roommate and I plan on hanging out over the summer, and we are living together again next year with our other two close friends.

I've also never been happier in a relationship than I am right now, and my girlfriend and I are looking forward to visiting each other this summer to make more memories together. I'm so glad I had her by my side throughout my entire first year of college. I couldn't imagine it any differently and I definitely wouldn't have made it through without her.

I can't wait to see what sophomore year brings, and I'm excited to spend the next three years at Temple working towards my degree in criminal justice!