I feel like it was almost yesterday that I was applying to colleges and checking my mailbox daily anticipating acceptance letters. I remember freshman move-in day so vividly. I was scared beyond belief to move miles away from home and start a brand new life with brand new people. Half of me wanted to cry and head back home yet the other half was so ready to take this on. Getting accustomed to this new college life wasn’t exactly the easiest transition I’ve experienced but it was definitely worth it. First semester was a time of trial and error. I quickly learned that I actually have to study in order to make anything above a D and I don’t think I could take a class earlier than 10am ever again. As the first semester passed me, it seemed crazy that I was halfway done. But now, here we are, just about to finish off the last month of our freshman year. How the hell did this happen? This school year seemed to zip by way too fast but in retrospect, boy was it a good one. Seeing how quickly this year went, I have the urge to slow down and truly appreciate the present moment and ones coming my way. Although this school year is concluding, I think it’s the first time in my life I’m already looking forward to the next one.

Although I’m anticipating sophomore year already, I want this summer to last a lifetime. I’ve been catching myself daydreaming of summer nights more than ever this last month of school. I think being far away for a few consecutive months has given me somewhat more of an appreciation for my hometown. It’s nice being in a community where you actually know everyone on a personal level, even if things get messy sometimes. Of course, it’s been nice to pretend some high school classmates didn’t exist anymore, but it’s almost time to face reality. On the bright side, heading back home means heading back to my best friends that I’ve been missing the crap out of. It has been a long few months without those girls. This also means returning back home to my summer job that consumes the majority of my summer days, although I have definitely missed having some money in my pockets. And finally, back home under the rules of my parents once again. Although, this time I am returning back under their roof eager to be bombarded with family time as I have missed and grown to value.

I have also grown to value life in general more than I have. After just one year of college, I have realized so much has changed. For starters, the person I am has changed. My independence has grown tremendously and I love it. I have began to understand the true meaning of relationships with people. I have a better sense of the real world and how to be somewhat of a functioning member of society. Freshman year has taught me an immense amount about who I am and who I want to be in this world. Of course, I still have no idea what I want to actually do with my life, but that’s OK, that’s what these next three years are for, and I cannot wait to embrace them!