Dear Freshman Year of College,

As I’m sitting here in the library, studying for my first final, I can honestly say I can’t believe you’re over. This year went by so fast; it feels like just yesterday I was driving down to Longwood on move-in day with my family, worried beyond belief. But now, here I am, finishing up my freshman year at Longwood, something I never thought would happen.

As you know, I had every intention of transferring from Longwood to a different college after the first semester. I had started transfer applications as soon as they became available in August, and filled out many of them, only to stop before hitting the submit button. Something stopped me from following through, and I am eternally grateful.

I had 5 applications filled out, all I needed was to pay the fee and hit submit. But I never did. Instead of spending my time on them, I spent my time focusing on school, dancing and doing other things that were important to me. I got busy. I got involved. I met people I never thought I would have. I went out of my comfort zone, and now I can’t see myself at any other college.

Once I got busy, life got a whole lot easier. I never had time to think about what my life would be like at a different college, or how much I missed my friends who all had each other at the same school. Instead, I had 24 hours in a day to go to class, get all my work done, dance, attend meetings, sleep and possibly have time for myself. Boy, was that a hard thing to do!

But I did it. I changed my major, went to class and got all my homework done, danced every day of the week at basketball games and practices, wrote many articles, joined a sorority, and met amazing friends. But most importantly, I realized I was okay here at Longwood. Actually, I was more than okay, I was happy; happier than I had been in years.

Wait, what? Happier than I have been in years? Did you just read that right? Yes, yes you did! In a matter of a few short months, Longwood became my home and it got a lot easier, and a lot more fun.

I’ve made some memories that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. I’ve made friends that will make saying goodbye in a few days incredibly difficult. And best of all, I’m a little sad to see you go. Through all of the hardships I’ve encountered and struggles I’ve had, I wouldn’t trade you for the world.

So, thank you first semester for being so good to me. I don’t know what I did to deserve you because I went in thinking you were going to be horrible and had the worst attitude. But you showed me a good time, and I loved (almost) every second of it. Here’s to you ending, I can’t wait to see what sophomore year has in store for me!

Love,

Allison