At this time last year, I was a high school senior, eagerly awaiting the day that I move into college and begin the next chapter of my life. I even had a countdown until move-in day. I was so ready to be independent, but also a little terrified -- both completely normal feelings when going into freshman year.

Fast forward to now, and I’m a completely different person than I was a year ago. We all hear that college changes your life, but I never expected to have learned so much in such a short amount of time, both about myself as a person and about life in general.

It’s safe to say that this year has been unlike any other, but in all honesty, my freshman year of college has completely changed my life. For the first time, I have been on my own. I’ve gotten a taste of what it feels like to be completely independent, and that in itself has taught me more than I could have ever imagined.

In addition to the newfound independence that comes with the first few months of college, I have learned a number of important lessons along the way as well. For example, I’ve learned that the “freshman 15” is in fact real, and that walking up the hill to class everyday isn’t enough to keep it off. That the use of shower shoes is very important, and that sometimes it’s incredibly appropriate to drink five cups of coffee in one day (especially during finals week). I’ve acquired the skill of waking up ten minutes before class, getting ready in two minutes, and still arriving on time. I’ve learned that there will be tons of “thirsty Thursdays,” but I should study for my Friday test instead. And I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve become a master of procrastinating, and am still able to get things done on time.

But in all seriousness, I’ve learned more in the past few months than I have at any other point in my life. I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime, and learned a lot about myself. But most importantly, I’ve learned that time goes by extremely quickly. I’ve completed my first year of college in what seemed to be a blink of an eye. College is truly awesome, and our parents weren’t kidding when they say that it flies by, so we need to enjoy it while we can. I can’t wait to see what these next three years have in store for me.

To my freshman year, I thank you. For the memories that will last a lifetime, for the experiences that have changed my life, for teaching me how to be independent, and for introducing me to the best four years of my life. It’s been real.