When I signed up to attend the University of Arizona I had never been more excited in my life. I was one of those people that never felt like I belonged in high school. I was very independent from a young age and longed for freedom and the ability to be on my own. As the months quickly went by and I threw my cap and my high school years behind me, I came to the realization that I would be leaving everything I had ever known. This quickly sent me into a panicked state of mind.

I wasn't sure why I was all of the sudden scared to leave the nest, but I was determined to get over this newfound fear. I knew that high school wasn't for me which is why I stayed away from most involvement opportunities. In college, I wanted to pursue as much as I possibly could. Before attending my orientation, my mom and I tried to search extracurricular activities and involvement opportunities so I was aware of all my options. Once I got there, I wasn't prepared for my entire life to alter purpose.

I approached a booth named Bear Down Camp and listened to their pitch. They claimed they were a camp that ran a week before school started and focused on taking the incoming freshman to a campsite in order to teach them about the university's heritage and traditions. I listened in and decided to sign up. Once I signed up. I felt a sigh of relief that I had something to look forward too and hey, maybe it would even lessen my newfound fears. Or maybe not.

Once I moved into my dorm, my first event for the camp was the next day. I met my group, counselors, and staff for camp and afterward was told that I would have to say goodbye to my parents. I am an only child so my parents were everything I ever had. I came to the realization that I would be completely alone without them and was overcome with sadness. To this day, that goodbye was the hardest one I have ever had to give.

Once they left, I did all of the mandatory activities and went back to my dorm at night. As much as it hurts to admit, I cried myself to sleep that night. I had no idea how I would survive across the country from the only people I had ever known. I had already wanted to go home and turn in the towel. When I called my mom and told her how I was feeling, she said I could return home but she wished I would go camping and just try it before I regretted my decision. Someone had to be looking out for me when my mom gave me that advice because my life changed for the better.

The next day I woke up, scared as ever, and went camping. I had never had more fun in my life. Bear Down Camp was the best decision I have ever made in my life and it is the reason I fell in love with my university and why I deeply care about it. Because of camp, I am now on the administration team of Bear Down Camp, in a sorority, and a tour guide for the school. I fell in love with the people of the University and realized that having them was so special. I miss my family every single day but I know that I am loved here because I found not only my people at Bear Down camp, but I found myself which is something so amazing. I urge anyone and everyone that is attending or thinking about attending the University of Arizona to look into and attend Bear Down Camp because it will truly change your life. I guarantee you will find your people, a love for the University, and a purpose in your collegiate years.

Bear Down & go Cats!