April has rolled around, reminding us that the school year is slowly winding down. Piles of assignments, tests and papers are only a preview of what is to come once finals week rolls around. I find it amazing how quickly time flies. One moment you're settling into your residence hall in August, and in a flash, April creeps up on you, reminding you that another year is coming to an end. Of course, finals are going to be stressful, and I'm desperately craving a vacation. But that doesn't mean that I find it very bittersweet how another year has passed. With three weeks of school left, and each week getting progressively harder, I felt that this school year deserved a proper farewell.

Sophomore year has treated me better than I could've ever expected. So many doors closed, and yet even greater ones have opened. So many people walked out of my life only to lead me to an abundance of open arms. Opportunities passed me by, but so many others have opened up for me as well. Everything that has happened to me over the course of this year was all a part of God's perfect plan, and I couldn't be more thankful.

Away from my family at home, I found families such as my sisters and BCM family that love and accept me for who I am. I've met so many new people who have impacted my life and have taught me so many lessons that I will carry with me everywhere I go. Of course, the entire year hasn't been a breeze. With every bit of good comes a little bit of bad. Everything didn't always go my way, and I didn't always get what I wanted. What I realized through those times is that you're only as defeated as you allow yourself to be.

My sophomore year of college has allowed me to go through this period of growth. The woman I was in August seems to be so far away. Before, I used to be terrified of change. The change meant taking steps out of my comfort zone, and that was something I never knew how to do. What I learned is that change is good and that the result can be even better than you could ever imagine.

Here's to you, sophomore year. Thank you for being so kind to me. Thank you for all of the many laughs, smiles and even the tears. I couldn't have asked for a better year. As excited as I am to go home for the summer and spend some much needed time with my family, there is still a bittersweet feeling in my gut that reminds me of all of the people I will be saying goodbye to at my home away from home. Although I am going to miss all of my friends so terribly, I am beyond excited for what my junior year has in store.