My first semester at college has finally come to a bittersweet end. As most other new freshmen at college are probably feeling, I feel as though I’ve learned so much about myself in this first semester than I ever have before.

For one thing, living away from home was a big step for not only me, but my family as well. I have never been away from home for longer than a two-week period, let alone live by myself in the city. For my family and I, it was definitely a change having me away from home but I would not want to have it any other way especially during the first year. Being on campus, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to make friends that I know will be in my life forever. And I’ve even appreciated home more than I ever have before. It’s funny because leaving home going to college, many of us are so scared that we won’t make friends or that we’ll never obtain friendships like the ones we have at home, but in time, I can assure you that I learned that it is possible. I’ve made and lost friends in these last few months and I realized that it’s okay to not be best friends with every single person you meet at school. As a person in a new environment, especially at college, we can learn who we want to be and be around for the benefit of our futures and who we want to be in this world. I also got extremely lucky with my roommate because in just these first few months of living together, we’ve become not only best friends but sisters.

However, another major concept I learned in just this first semester is that focusing on yourself is the best thing you can do and in the end, will leave you and everyone around you more relaxed. Throughout these next four years, there should be no time wasted on dwelling over a cute guy who didn’t text you back, a date that didn’t go well, or even one test you did bad on. These four years are supposed to be the best ones of our lives and wasting them sitting there eating ourselves up over something that can’t be changed is the worst thing you can possibly do. Not only are you going to drag yourself down, but the people around you as well.

COFFEE, COFFEE, AND MORE COFFEE. I learned that coffee really is my new BFF and always will be from here on out. Whether it’s my morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up, coffee has been my savior. I’ve come to realize that coffee is so important in the college world, especially to actually get my work done. It also has been a great way to bring people together and talk. Coffee shops are a great place to get away for a little bit, be alone, or get work done in someplace other than the library.

After all, I couldn't be more excited to go back to my new little home away from home at school and be back together with my amazing friends, absorb the city life, and continue working towards my future.