When I left for college, I wasn't prepared to fall in love. Heck, I wasn't even thinking about falling in love. I was ready for 8 a.m. classes, pulling all-nighters in the library, and shower shoes. Okay, to be completely honest, I wasn't even remotely ready for any of this. I just thought I was. What I quickly realized was that we as college students meet people everywhere. With this, I literally mean everywhere. Even the community bathrooms are a place where friendships are created. Everywhere you go, there is someone new for you to meet. Sporting events bring along a whole new environment and patrons. Football games are a big deal where I am, considering the University of Mississippi is a part of Southeastern Conference. (Ole Miss is known for their second-to-none tailgating experience btw.)

Going out after the game to celebrate the win offers more chances for creating lasting memories. Well this is where it happened for me. A memory that will forever be in my mind and hold a special place in my heart. My friends and I were ready to dance the night away and have pictures to prove it. Walking into the bar, I prepared myself for the blisters I would receive that night. I didn't know it at the time, but that boy I met that night on the square in Oxford, would later be the guy I fell head over heels in love with.

Fast forward eight months, that boy is now my boyfriend. A pre-pharmacy major who lights up the room with his personality. He is unbelievably smart and handsome. He's constantly keeping me on my toes. His sense of humor brings tears to my eyes and brightens my day. He crossed several items off my check-list and seemed too perfect to be true. The feeling is second to none when he's near. My heart instantly starts beating a million times faster when I see him. I light up when the phone rings and it's him calling. I didn't even realize it happening.

One day, I woke up and just knew I loved him. I had to tell him. I could see something that could last. In the end, it was him who whispered those three words first. I'd never been in love before. Was I ready to let those words be real? Was I ready to let myself be vulnerable? Finally, I knew I was ready to take the chance. This boy really did love me. It took time, and eventually I told him. I was 100% sure when I said it. Even now, when he says those words, I feel like a love-struck lunatic. I instantly feel relieved of all the stress around me when I'm with him. I'm blissfully happy. I continue to learn new things about him everyday; and I fall deeper and deeper in love. He talks about the future and I actually imagine what that life could look like. It makes me excited to see what it holds for us. Looking back, I know there was a plan in motion. I was meant to be on the square that night. I was meant to be in that bar. I was meant to meet him.

Love is a wonderful thing and I am so incredibly lucky to have found it.