I remember when I first stepped onto campus as a freshman in college (which was honestly only like 5 months ago). I felt terrified and excited and anticipatory and free and a thousand other emotions. I remember wanting my family to leave but wanting them to stay at the same time, and when they did, I was completely fending for myself on all fronts. It felt freeing and new, but unknown and lonely, too. In my dorm, I didn't know any of the people who I would be living with for the next seven months, some of whom could potentially become best friends.

I remember the first week when I was overwhelmed by all the extroverts and strong personalities, and I was wondering what the hell I got myself into. Maybe I didn't belong here.

I tend to retreat when I'm not totally comfortable in a situation. There were people forming immediate best-friendships, and I was worried I'd get left in the dust. Looking back, I realize that almost everyone felt that way. Welcome Weekend was a blur that somehow felt like forever.

Then my floor settled into a routine. I got to know my neighbors and talk to some people that I hadn't during the first week. Most of them had either barely tolerated or absolutely thrived during the huge events of the first weekend, while I had been somewhere in between. Pretty soon, the group of girls who had felt so intimidating during the first week didn't feel that way anymore.

Now these girls are my best friends at school. Some of the people I was most unsure of the first few weeks became some of the people I am closest to now. I can walk out of my room and find someone to talk to or hang with anytime. I am so thankful for my community now, and I am so happy to be surrounded by these wonderful people.

Shoutout to Hobson 3!