Dear Freshman Year,

I cannot believe you are already over. It seems like just yesterday I was walking across the stage, receiving my high school diploma. This year has had so many ups and downs, and now it is complete. In August I could not imagine this point; I never thought I would settle down in college and be content. I spent the first few weeks feeling extremely homesick. There was no light at the end of the tunnel. I could not see myself becoming comfortable in the new setting. I hate change, and coming to college has been the biggest change I have ever gone through. Over the course of the past few months I have found my place at school. It was not easy, but it was truly worthwhile.

Thank you for showing me a new side to life. You introduced me to so many new opportunities and people, and it was eye opening. It is hard to believe that I have been without some of the people I knew for 19 years. I learned to come outside of my box and explore things that I typically would not have even given the thought. I have become a more well-rounded person and I have attempted so many activities that seemed foreign to me in high school. Freshman year, you have helped me add to my character.

Thank you for helping me grow up. I have had to learn how to live on my own and be without my family and closest friends. I have had to learn how to manage my time and prioritize what I need to do. I have had to learn how to really budget my money. I have had to learn to make decisions on my own. I have had to learn how to create a resume, apply for jobs and get interviews. Freshman year, you have transformed me into an adult.

Thank you for helping me realize how much I love my family. Of course I have always loved them, but it took me being away from them to truly understand how much they meant to me and vice versa. It has been a tough transition to not be home for everyone's birthdays, or to miss family vacations and events - but that's life. Freshman year, you have helped me strengthen my relationships.

Thank you, freshman year, for exposing me to the real world and beginning my lump sum of college debt.

All of the nights in the library, all of the nights out, all of the days spent in class and all of the days spent having fun. All of the terrible grades, all of the grades above the average. All of the tears and all of the laughs. All of the losses and all of the wins. All of the new friends and all of the not so great professors. The gross cafeteria food, the rock hard dorm bed and communal bathrooms. All of the ups and all of the downs. It has been one hell of a ride.