They say that college is supposed to be the best years of your life. When I was a senior in high school, I could hardly imagine that was true as I went to graduation parties and didn't have too much hard work senior year. How could it possibly get any better than half-days and field days with people you've known your whole life??

Even though my first weeks here at the University of Tennessee were scary, overwhelming, and at several times lonely, I would not trade any of my freshmen year for the whole world. At first, I doubted my decision to drive to a new state filled with new people and new places while all of my friends stayed behind in Georgia. I couldn't imagine doing life without them by my side. I was away from my parents and had no form of safety blanket to fall back on if things were to go wrong.

So, what changed? Because right now I am putting off the thought of having to leave this place and these people — I refuse to begin packing until the very last moment.

Well, let me tell ya, everyone has been right about how great college is because I think I just finished the best year of my life. This year has been filled with timed date parties, going out with my friends, Taco Tuesdays, Wing Wednesdays, trips to the dining halls, dorm parties that cannot be matched and exciting game days. (I can't imagine how much more fun they would be if Tennessee actually had a good football season.)

I guess I did some studying here and there, but even that was fun when I had my friends by my side. I have not seen even a fraction of what the University of Tennessee has to offer and I have fallen head over heels in love, so in love that the thought of going home for just three months and leaving all of this behind is hard to cope with.

This year, I gained 200 sisters, I learned how to do my own laundry, and I have learned to survive up to 2 weeks with -$3.08 in my bank account (sorry dad!). I have learned how to walk from the Hill to Strong hall in around 9 minutes, and I know the prettiest places on campus to study. After several trials, I have learned how to balance my social life and the events my friends plan with the coursework of my biochemistry major without my GPA suffering too much.

Speaking of those friends, I have gained the best friends anyone could ask for, and most importantly I have learned what it means to be myself. This year, I have come out of my shell and learned more about myself than any class could have ever taught me.

When people ask "How did you like Tennessee?" I don't think it will even be possible to put into words how much this place means to me. Even with the adjustment and the 2 month-long awkwardness that comes when you move to a new place and make new friends, it was worth the wait. As I am spending my last few days here, I think about all of the things I have gained from leaving my home behind.

I miss my old friends and family every day, but I have truly made Rocky Top Home Sweet Home to Me.