Freshmen year, the beginning of the rest of your life.

When I moved hours away from home, I was so unsure of what to expect. I had packed all of my life up in cardboard boxes that my father got from the hospital and prepared myself mentally to live on my own. I had no friends here. I had no pets to ease the stress. I had no one to tell me exactly what college was like.

I had bought everything under the impression we would all only have one spoon and fork. I was sure we would stay in our rooms and not communicate but who knows, right? I had gotten silverware at an estate sale weeks before, a fridge from a yard sale, a coffee machine and a toaster over from my parents. I was set to go!

Physically anyway...

Definitely not mentally.

I could feel this fear in this pit of my stomach, but I was ready. My dad wasn't very helpful mentally. I can still hear him saying "the scariest part about college is once you leave no one will be there telling you what to do."

I introduced myself to my only roommate here and patiently waited for the others to arrive. I was excited, but I also thought that we would have pillow fights and do drugs.

College is not that, just to be clear.

College is an up and down.

College is stress and heartache.

College is a wonderful ride.

I have learned from the people I live with. I have learned how to be an active member of my household. I have learned to not be angry with everyone. I have learned to smile at the small things. I have learned that I am a part of something aside from my immediate family.

I have my own family now.

College is carrying 30 groceries bag up three flights of stairs.

College is buying scantrons last minute.

College is late night Walmart trips for fun.

College is feeding yourself.

College is expensive rent and little space.

Aside from these and many more, college is an adventure.

Freshman year is your beginning. You get used to living with other people and by the end of your first semester you are a champ. By the time they are moving out, you cry a little inside. These people become family and they mold you the more you live together. If by chance you and your roommates don't get along, don't worry. In these four years you will meet people who will forever change your life.

I know I have and they will forever have a place in my heart.

From the people I live with or the people I go to class with, I have made friendships and even relationships that will last a lifetime.