I was so nervous walking into the walls of Creswell and the environment tradition and excellence on this gorgeous campus.

A million things were racing through my mind: "what if I get lost, what if I don't make any friends, what if I don't find a home here?"

And my first few weeks really could not have been any rougher than they were, while I had found an excellent group of friends, I got dumped the week I moved in, I struggled with personal financial issues and discovered I needed to get a job, I lost my license for six months, and I found out that I would need hip surgery that might not allow me to continue dancing in college.

But, these first few rough weeks allowed for months to follow that were full of joy and fun.

I started working and for the first time in my life found a work environment that I loved full of people that I could truly call my friends.

I got involved with the Georgia Dance Team and was able to continue my dance career in college.

I started mentoring for Whatever It Takes here at UGA and found joy in being able to pass on life lessons to a high schooler that was having a rough go at life.

I got involved in Freshley at UGA where I found an amazing Christian community that I can always turn to whenever I needed. In fact, I get to be a prayer leader and continue my journey with this organization next year.

I joined a sorority where I have met some of the most genuine girls that I will be able to call my friends for life.

My year might have started out rough, but I have ended the year with so many positives and I have been able to grow as a person and learn so many life lessons throughout the year. I would not change the way this year has gone for anything.

From hard times, to game days, to academics I cannot wait to continue my journey as a Dawg!