The "college experience" is a term loosely thrown around throughout life, but no one really knows what it is until they get there. Before I started college, I was always warned about how the college experience will change my perception of my world and how I will learn how to adjust my life to completely different people and things. It was always implied with a negative connotation.

Although the prediction did come true, it has been one of the greatest changes in my life. Many would say that you become a different person in college, but I disagree. In my case, I became who I was always meant to be. The independence that I was deprived of most of my life as well as the true person I was, in reference to my identity, personality, and even sexuality could finally be expressed in a free environment. It felt like clearing a slate and starting all over again, being able to rebuild myself to a new group of people, in a new city, and doesn't know about my past, who I was, or pretended to be.

Never in high school would I have expected to be the kind of girl who easily makes friends or goes out to parties. Meeting new people and not dealing with a difficult past is a huge relief, and gaining a sense of independence and responsibility provides a satisfaction that I never had back home.

Growing up in a reclusive and controlling environment, I may have gone down the cliche "college student that gets too independent" path but the freedom has never felt more rewarding. The fact that I can be trusted to take care of myself gives me the confidence that I did not have most of my life and helps me get back on my feet, (better late than never). Some people might say that college is a big leap, but the leap was a positive experience that I don't regret happening. I'm glad that I was able to move to a new city where I barely know anyone and never have to look back.

So, each person may have their own opinion about their initial college experience, but I am glad that I was able to meet some of the greatest people and have a roommate who is exactly like me. It may have only been about two months, but experiences such as going to shady buffets, parties for the first time, or getting late night impulse decision tattoos let me know that I barely miss anything about who I used to be.