When I reflect back on the past nine months, I realize how much I have grown and what I've learned. In a week, I'll be done with finals, and moving out of my dorm room. I will be moving on with my life and continuing my path of education in three months. My life will be different next year. There will be some new people and new memories. I am going to learn so much, way more than I know now. Things won't be the same. Because of this, I want to look back at my freshman year, and make sure that i never forget just how blessed I was to have the most amazing and difficult school year of my life.

When I first decided to go to school out of state, I was excited to start fresh somewhere new. I was ready to meet brand new people and live a life with more independence. Yes, these things happened. But i cannot begin to count the amount of hours that I spent this year feeling homesick beyonf belief. What I didn't know 9 months ago as I waved my hometown goodbye was that I would develop a love for the places that did not bring me much fullfillment growing up. I did not realize that i would now cherish the beautiful mountains that line the sky in Colorado. But I developed a love for somewhere new. Somewhere that excites, challenges, and interests me. Because of the hard times missing home this year, I now see the beauty in my actual home, and also have a home away from home.

The first couple months of college are rough. As the move was difficult, I also was not sure of what kind of friends I would receive. I always struggled with finding a lot of true friends, but this year gave me more than I was ever expecting. I have met some beautiful girls inside and out, who make me smile just by their presence. I have met others with the same passions as me. I have met friends who have helped me become closer to God than I have ever been in my life. If it wasn't for freshman year, I wouldn't have seen that true, life-long friends do exist, and I am very lucky to know so many wonderful people.

God has revealed so much to me this year. He has shown me that I really am meant to become an educator and that His love never fails. This is where I am meant to be and where he wants me to be. he wants me to follow my dreams and His path for me.

So here's to freshman year. A year where I experienced every emotion and overcame anxiety, stress, and homesickness. A year full of late nights with the best roommate I could have ever imaged having, and friends who love me for who I am. I know that i can full-heartedly be who I am, and that God is with me. I have learned so much, from class to life lessons.

As this year comes to an end, I want to say that i do not have many regrets. I overcame in ways that I am so proud of myself for, and i realized my worth can only be found through my Saviior, Jesus Christ. So thank you freshman year, for showing me that it is completely O.K to not always be O.K. Thank you for the beautiful hearts that live inside some of the best people I have ever met. I'll never forget you.