Change is a part of life, and this year has definitely been one of big change for me.
1. I became more independent.
Coming to college, I was forced to learn how to be independent...and I am so grateful for that. Living apart from my family has taught me some very valuable lessons and stressed the fact that it is now solely up to me to get through the week. I love having my own independence and being able to be in charge of what I do and when I do it. It has been challenging, but I wouldn't want it any other way.
2. I moved to a new state.
I moved to Syracuse, NY from the D.C. suburb of McLean, VA. I miss my hometown so much, but have felt so at home here in Syracuse. It truly is my second home and I love it dearly.
3. I made some amazing friends.
In high school, I never had a core group of best friends. I found myself to be a "floater", meaning that I had a lot of friends, but no best friends that I could go to when I truly needed them. Here, at Syracuse, I have been so fortunate to find my best friends. I can go to them for any reason and they are always there for me. I love them so much and am so thankful to have found them.
4. I became more confident.
Before I moved away to college, I was incredibly shy. It always took me a while to break out of my shell and open up to those around me. Throughout the past year, that was something that I really worked on. I (slowly) became more confident and recognized my self-worth. It was really difficult at first, and I still have a lot to work on, but I definitely made immense improvements.
5. I messed up... a lot.
I've made so many mistakes over the past year...the list could go on and on. Although I messed up a lot, I learned how to recuperate from those mistakes. While I didn't realize it at the time, I am so thankful for the faults that I made because they helped me grow and taught me valuable lessons that I will hold onto for the future.
6. "Everything happens for a reason" became my motto.
About a year ago I was deferred from my early decision college, and then, a few months later, ultimately rejected. I was absolutely crushed. I had my heart set on that university ever since I was in elementary school. I truly thought that I would spend my 4 collegiate years there, but that obviously didn't happen for me.
To be honest, I came into Syracuse with the intention to transfer, but once I stepped foot on campus, that thought left me entirely. I am so thankful that I was rejected from that university because Syracuse is more than I could've ever imagined. It is the perfect fit for me and I truly cannot imagine myself anywhere else.
While I was beaten down for a long time after that rejection, I am forever thankful for the way that everything turned out. Everything happens for a reason...it really does.