I just took my last final of the spring semester of my first year as a transfer student at Temple University. There are a million thoughts going through my head and a ton of emotions coursing through my body.

The first is relief, because finals are stressful, and the giant zit on my face can attest to that. But the next emotion I felt was disappointment. Even though I felt so relieved to be done, I can't help but think I could've done more to do better this semester. Whether it's pressure from parents, siblings, or yourself, there is always going to be that one class you think "ugh had I just done that one extra credit assignment, or not missed that class."

Denise Hernandez

I'm choosing not to beat myself up over this though, because the next and biggest emotion I feel in this moment is pride. This was a particularly difficult year. I experienced the loss of a dear friendship I thought would follow me throughout my entire life, I moved out of my mother's house away from my best friends and biggest supporters, and I lost a close family friend in a car accident at only 19 years old.

It was the first year that my sister and I spent apart which definitely revealed codependency we didn't realize we had with each other. I struggled with my mental, emotional, and physical health, I lost and found my faith, and now here I am. Reflecting.

I am so damn proud of myself for pushing through all the changes that came my way. I joined clubs, I got involved and it made me a stronger, more open, more loving person. I've grown so much and for that, I am so incredibly grateful.

Denise Hernandez

Thanks, Temple. Thanks, Philly. You're not perfect, and you're a little crazy, but you made transferring all worth it!