Ah, the freshman 15, the 15 pounds many freshman gain during their first year away at college. The inevitable words uttered by friends and family—just wait newly graduated seniors, it's coming your way soon.

Whether it's stress of adjusting to a new environment or the newfound freedom of eating whatever you want whenever you want, college freshman tend to gain a little extra poundage. Of course, every person is different in the ways their body functions—the freshman 15 can also take form as lost weight as well. However, I had to learn the hard way that the freshman 15 was surely the real deal.

It's time to get real here, and it's not easy to admit, but when I got home this summer, I was horrified to step on the scale for the first time in months to see that I had actually gained 15 pounds exactly.

Now, it's not like this number took me by complete surprise. I kind of saw it coming as I took great advantage of my plentiful meal plan by spending it on cookies and grilled cheese.

Evenings when I used to work out at the gym or take GroupX classes turned into nights of naps and "Parks and Recreation."

I slowly began to notice how my jeans fit a little tighter, and how I started to avoid putting on certain shorts as the summer began to roll around.

My physical appearance surely was noticeable for myself; but, the part that was every bit more prominent was just my overall health.

I began to notice a steady decline in my energy levels; getting up in the morning became more and more of a grueling task.

While I did keep my grades up, working and studying became more tasks than actual fun learning, and the all too familiar feeling of being unmotivated reared it's ugly head.

I think I realized I wasn't being my best self this whole time, but it didn't really hit me until I stepped on that scale.

What was even more interesting was that when I would tell people I gained weight, they would glance over me and say "Where?" and "You do not need to lose any more weight, honey."

Weight gain is not only reflected on the outside, it takes an even harder toll on the inside as well.

While I may not like I need to lose weight to others, I knew that this challenge of weight loss in my life was not one I was facing for the pleasure of others—it was for me and me only.

And now I am on this journey of living a healthier life—not too look 'good' for everyone else—but, so that I could gain my confidence back; so that I can be a happier and healthier person.

About a month into the summer now, I'm happy to say that I have lost almost 10 pounds. My energy and zest for life is slowly returning, and I feel like I can conquer anything.

I saw a problem that I didn't like, and I decided to do something about it.

For all my fellow freshman that have had to deal with the 'freshman 15' in whatever way, shape or form, get your body to the way you want it to be for you, and no one else.

Live your absolute best life, and treat your body the way it deserves to be treated. It's not easy, but the journey will never happen until you take the first steps.