Now if you would have asked me in September about transferring to my current school, Baylor University, I would have told you coming here was a huge mistake and winter break could not come fast enough. I was starting over and truly felt like a fish out of water. I was constantly getting lost on campus, everywhere I looked were unfamiliar faces, I felt left out all the time, and hardest of all, I was beginning to miss my old friends. Fast forward to November and quickly approaching finals, I can say I’m glad I decided to stick it out. Even though my first months here were no doubt some challenging times, it makes me appreciate all the wonderful things I have gained from my time here at Baylor in these few short months.

1. Your beliefs do not make you a better person, your behavior does.

Now I’m not about to sit here and point fingers because I can look in the mirror and write my own laundry list of faults, but since coming to Baylor this is something that really resonates with me. Being a Baptist university, Baylor prides itself on its Christian faith and teaching its students what it means to be a Christian. Lots of people like to say they are Christians, but their behavior often depicts otherwise. The same goes for anything in life. We love to say we are caring, nice, or willing to help others. The list goes on and on. But last time I checked, caring was not defined by judging people or excluding others and willingness to help others means anyone who needs it not just your close friends. We need to stop verbalizing what we are and actually show it through our everyday actions.

2. Sometimes you have to learn to dance in the rain.

When I officially knew I would be attending a new school, I was ecstatic! New people, new place, I was ready for a fresh start. Now I knew being a transfer student would not be easy, but boy was I in for a rude awakening. After the first day of classes, I felt defeated. I felt like everyone already had their friend groups and had no need for a new friend. The amount of tears I cried that first week, probably could have flooded the entire state of Texas. It finally hit me that I was now over 1,000 miles away from home, living with five strangers, and had not a single friend. Weeks continued to go by and I still felt like a fish out of water. I still cried myself to sleep at night and now begged my parents to let me leave because I hated it so much.

Then one day it hit me. I could continue to feel sad and find all the flaws about my new situation or truly try to find the good at Baylor. Everyday I see people loving their time here, so there has to be something good about this place, right? I started exploring different things to do on campus and got involved in clubs and organizations. Slowly, I’m finding activities and people who make me happy and thank God everyday for those opportunities. So yeah, my roommate may still talk behind my back and people may make fun of how I talk or dress, but I have learned that I can not let my emotions be controlled by anyone but me and because of that I can find joy in the little things in life. You can't just wait for the bad things in your life to go away,but instead, have a positive attitude and make the best out of it- and be proud of yourself for doing so.

3. Don’t knock it until you try it!

Yeah, I know it’s cliché but trust me on this. Living in the Midwest my entire life, I was used to the laidback way of living and coming to a college in Texas was quite a culture shock--You wear dresses to football games? What does srat mean? What is all the hype about Blue Bell ice cream? At first I was so intimidated by all the new things surrounding me, but was curious to find out what Texas and Baylor were all about. Some things to me are still the oddest things ever- Like why are Chacos even made? And is everyone obsessed about a gas station with a beaver as the logo? But I can't deny that I have adopted the all too common Texas look of an oversized t-shirt and nike shorts. Slowly,Texas is growing on me and I can honesty say I love it. Chick-fil-a gives a whole new meaning to what good fast food is and Greek life literally becomes apart of your life in some way or another even if your not in it in the South.

4. Live life for others and not just yourself.

Being at college has truly opened my eyes to how fortunate many of us are. Seeing less privileged people’s faces light up when we deliver them food for Thanksgiving dinner or getting squeezed in a group hug when you help make fleece tie-blankets for child abuse victims. I get mad when I can’t find a parking space close to the science building or when one of my friends bails on plans last minute. Our bad is always someone else's version of good. We have so many things to be thankful for every day and we tend to forget that from time to time. We are put on this earth to make a difference, whether it be big or small, and should always be willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it.

5. It 's just a bad day not a bad life.

Last year was one the hardest years I have had to face. My roommate and grandmother had passed away within a month of each other, I was barely able to keep up and pass my classes, and still had no idea what direction I wanted to take for a degree. I felt like my life was spiraling out of control and no one could understand how I was feeling. My mother always says "this too shall pass" and this is something I have to remind myself of often.

Even when you are stressed out or being swamped in exams and papers, remember what your long terms goals are. Set aside time to hang out with friends or take a break at a basketball or football game. You will feel so refreshed and able to focus and attack all the tasks that are in front you! Everyone faces hardships and heartache at some point in their lives, that's inevitable. But how you face adversity can shape you as a person and make you appreciate all the good days yet to come.

So no matter where you are at in your college journey, remember everything will be ok. It may not turn out how you thought and you will face some tough obstacles here and there, but you got this and can learn and take something away from every experience. Here's to a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!