Freshman year of college is almost over and it has been a whirlwind of a year, to say the least. Who knew that this year would have gone by so fast. From moving across the country and starting fresh, to finding friends that I call family and studying what I love.

I'm from California so moving to the Midwest was a big change for me. However, I did know many people coming to Purdue and even current students so it made my move so much easier... or so I thought. Going to college and making new friends was a lot harder than I thought it would be.

Growing up I knew everyone around me and went to school with the same people for 4-12 years. There were many times first semester where I felt alone and unsure if I made the right decision.

Fast forward to the end of the year, and it's safe to say that I love being at Purdue and I feel right at home. I've come to love this campus and the people in it. I found some of my best friends that I get to live with next year and even found a family through the dance team Purdue Raas.

I got to travel to four different cities across the country this year with them and practice was the thing I looked forward to after a long day. I'm beyond grateful for the memories that I made and the experiences that I had this year.

I'm in the Krannert School of Management and I have always loved business. But taking classes and being a part of Women in Business has made that love grow stronger. I'm so excited about my future and all the possible opportunities that are to come.

While it wasn't always easy, freshman year is something I will always look back on with a smile. I struggled to be alone, going through drama and losing friends, and contemplating whether I was in the right place. It was a learning experience that I didn't know I needed, but something I am so thankful to have gone and grown through. At the end of it all, I came out strong, happy, and excited for what the next three years hold. So here's to future, Boiler Up!